748 Tyres collected in Cross Hands

RESIDENTS got rid of 748 tyres at an amnesty held in Cross Hands.

The amnesty was held in Leekes car park and gave residents a one-off chance to dispose of any unwanted tyres free of charge.

It was organised by Tidy Towns to encourage people to dispose of their waste responsibly and help combat fly-tipping.

Tyre companies attach a charge to any tyres that are disposed of at their business so illegally dumped tyres is a big problem not just in Carmarthenshire but across the UK.

Fly-tipping is not only a blight on the landscape, but costs local authorities millions of pounds a year to clean up and causes harm to wildlife and the environment.

Tidy Towns project officer Simon Troake said: “Around 450,000 tonnes of used tyres are produced in the UK every year that have to be reused or disposed of somehow and it is estimated that local authorities, landowners, industry and the emergency services pay out over £2.3 million every year in investigating and clearing illegally dumped tyres.

“Hopefully the amnesty will have encouraged people to do the right thing and dispose of their waste in a responsible manner.”

Tidy Towns is a Welsh Government-funded initiative delivered in partnership by Carmarthenshire County Council and Keep Wales Tidy.

Executive Board Member for Regeneration Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “There are now less tyres out there which could potentially end up dumped in our towns and villages, spoiling our beautiful countryside and sandy beaches.

“We are determined to improve the quality of the local environment for both residents and visitors to Carmarthenshire.”

Amnesties were also held in Carmarthen (778 tyres), Newcastle Emlyn (219) and Ammanford (408).