Partners unite to tackle fly-tipping menace in Llanelli

THE police and council have teamed up to tackle the problem of fly-tipping in an area of Llanelli.

Environmental scanning has identified the lane off Martin Rd in Penyfan as a fly-tipping hotspot.

This area has been a problem for some time and the council’s environmental enforcement officers are working with the Bigyn Neighbourhood Policing Team and residents to try and prevent it.

Not only does fly-tipping spoil our quality of life and enjoyment of the environment, but it can cause serious pollution and harm to human health as well as to wildlife.

PCSO Lauren Hopkins said: “We’re linking in with residents, housing officers, councillors, our colleagues in Neighbourhood Watch and enforcements officers to try and stop this problem here.

“Every year thousands of pounds are spent on clearing rubbish that’s just dumped this way.

“This lane will now be closely monitored by the enforcement team. I’d ask the public to now come forward with any information that might assist the council in a prosecution.”

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and anyone caught could be fined up to £50,000 and/or up to five years in prison.

The council, along with partners including Dyfed-Powys Police, Environment Agency Wales and Keep Wales Tidy amongst others as part of Fly-tipping Action Wales, is working hard to stamp out the problem of fly-tipping.

Area Environmental Enforcement Officer Paul Morris said: “We are serious about punishing people who break the law. We are working with the police in Llanelli to stop this problem and hopefully we can clean up the area and make a real difference.”

Residents are being urged to make sure they dispose of their waste responsibly by taking it to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Trostre or the council will collect up to three items of bulky waste for a small charge of £12. They are also being reminded that if they decide to use a private individual or a company they must make sure they are properly authorised to carry waste because if they don’t and their waste is found fly-tipped they could be prosecuted and fined.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Philip Hughes said: “We all have a part to play in keeping our communities clean, the council is committed to tackling fly-tipping and by working together with our partners we can improve the quality of the environment in Carmarthenshire for both residents and visitors.”

To request a bulky waste collection or to report fly-tipping call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567 or visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk