A recent fly-tipping incident in Rishton, Lancashire, has sparked concerns among residents and local authorities. The incident occurred on the path leading from Rishton to Great Harwood, close to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The path is a popular route for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, and the fly-tipping has caused disruption and concern for those who use it regularly.
The incident was reported by Daniel Taylor, a 33-year-old resident of Clayton-le-Moors, who was out riding his horses with his wife and children on Wednesday, September 18. Taylor described the scene as “a bit of a nightmare” and said that the horses spooked easily, making it difficult to get past the waste.
“It was hard work trying to get past it because the horses spook very easily, so it was a bit of a nightmare,” Taylor said. “We did get past, but it was a bit sketchy. I had to get off my horse and try and lead him through which he did with a bit of persuading. It’s not nice to come across, we could have got hurt. We tried to get past but it could’ve ended differently.”
The fly-tipped waste was a significant amount, and it’s not the first time that the path has been used for illegal dumping. In the past, people have set fires on the site, and Taylor believes that blocking the path off to drivers would be a good solution to prevent future incidents.
“It’s a dead end anyway, so it would be easy to block it off,” Taylor said. “It would stop all future fly tipping and would save the council thousands in clearances.”
Councillor Stewart Eaves, portfolio holder for environmental services at Hyndburn Council, has confirmed that the council is aware of the fly-tipping and is working to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.
“Fly-tipping offences directly affect the quality of life of residents and visitors alike, and so the council is committed to enforcing the consequences of these actions in service of shaping a cleaner, healthier borough,” Eaves said. “Our Waste Enforcement and Environmental Protection departments have teamed up to investigate the circumstances and removal of the waste will be scheduled.”
However, it’s unclear who is responsible for the fly-tipping, and the council is appealing to anyone with CCTV or cameras in the Bridge Street or Spring Street areas to check if they saw anything suspicious.
Residents are also being asked to report any suspicious activity or fly-tipping incidents to the council immediately. The council is working to increase its enforcement efforts and is using technology such as CCTV cameras to monitor hotspots for fly-tipping.
The incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness and education about the consequences of fly-tipping. The council is working to raise awareness about the issue and the importance of proper waste disposal. However, more needs to be done to tackle the problem, and residents are calling for greater action to be taken.
In the meantime, residents are being asked to take personal responsibility for disposing of their waste properly and not dumping it illegally. This includes checking with local waste management companies to ensure they are using a reputable and licensed service.
The council is also working with local community groups to organize clean-up events and community initiatives to tackle fly-tipping and improve the local environment. By working together, residents and the council can reduce fly-tipping incidents and create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone in Rishton.
In addition to the environmental impact, fly-tipping can also have a significant financial impact on the council. The cost of clearing up fly-tipped waste can be substantial, and it can also divert resources away from other important services.
“It’s not just an environmental issue, it’s also a financial issue,” said Eaves. “Fly-tipping can cost the council thousands of pounds to clear up, and it’s a waste of resources that could be better spent on other important services.”
The council is working to increase its enforcement efforts and is using technology such as CCTV cameras to monitor hotspots for fly-tipping. They are also working with local community groups to organize clean-up events and community initiatives to tackle fly-tipping and improve the local environment.
In conclusion, the fly-tipping incident in Rishton is a serious problem that requires immediate attention and action. The council needs to take stronger action to catch the perpetrators and fine them heavily. Residents also need to take responsibility for their waste and not dump it illegally. By working together, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone in Rishton.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater community involvement in tackling fly-tipping. The council is working with local community groups to organize clean-up events and community initiatives to tackle fly-tipping and improve the local environment.
“We need to work together to tackle this problem,” said Eaves. “The council can’t do it alone, we need the help of local residents and community groups to make a difference.”
Residents are being asked to report any suspicious activity or fly-tipping incidents to the council immediately. The council is working to increase its enforcement efforts and is using technology such as CCTV cameras to monitor hotspots for fly-tipping.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater education and awareness about the consequences of fly-tipping. The council is working to raise awareness about the issue and the importance of proper waste disposal.
“We need to educate people about the consequences of fly-tipping,” said Eaves. “It’s not just an environmental issue, it’s also a financial issue. We need to make sure that people understand the impact that fly-tipping can have on the community and the environment.”
By working together, residents and the council can reduce fly-tipping incidents and create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone in Rishton.