Additional CCTV for Ashworth Valley as cameras kick fly-tipping to the kerb

Four additional CCTV cameras have been installed throughout Ashworth Valley, after the first cameras have helped curb fly-tipping in the area.

The security devices – a joint venture between Rochdale Borough Council and The Friends of Ashworth Valley – have been installed as the area has been plagued by fly-tipping for years, making it one of the borough’s worst hit areas for dumped waste.

Previous items removed from the site include hundreds of tyres, catering jars of peanut butter, a car bumper and headlights, as well as typical household rubbish and rubble. Fencing was also installed last year, which has made a positive difference to the waste dumped in the area.

Matching signage was also installed last summer after a major fundraising campaign.

After the first cameras were installed last year, incidents of fly-tipping have dropped significantly.
 

Read more: We’re watching you! CCTV installed in Ashworth ValleyPublished: 27 October 2020

Paul Ellison, of the Friends of Ashworth Valley, said: "The results have been absolutely amazing; this has certainly been a massive success."

Councillor Jim Gartside commented: "Those who have contributed towards the cameras and signage have all come together in true community spirit to keep our countryside beautiful and untarnished by uncaring criminal behaviour."

A spokesperson for the council added: “The council has worked closely with the Friends of Ashworth Valley group and has noted that the cameras installed has led to a significant reduction in fly-tipping incidents since June of last year, which has helped our enforcement team clamp down on incidents occurring in the area.

“Alongside this, we are also trialling CCTV cameras across the borough in well-known hot spots for fly-tipping, so be warned we will be watching.” 
 

Read more: CCTV to play a bigger role in clampdown on fly-tippersPublished: 02 March 2021

Councils are able to issue on-the-spot fines to fly-tippers and to stop, search and seize vehicles suspected of being used for fly-tipping.

Local authorities and the Environment Agency are also able to issue penalties of up to £400 to householders who do not pass their waste to a licensed carrier and whose waste is then found fly-tipped.

Those disposing of waste must be registered and hold a waste carriers’ licence. Using unlicensed ‘man with a van’ waste carriers leaves residents at risk of prosecution if their waste is then found dumped elsewhere.

Residents booking a waste removal company are advised to take a photograph of the waste carrier licence, vehicle (including registration mark) and driver. Without this evidence people could find themselves in court if rubbish belonging to them is found dumped illegally.

If you have any information about fly-tipping or those responsible, please report it at rochdale.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling 0300 303 8884.

Information about how to dispose of bulky waste and the locations of recycling centres can be found at rochdale.gov.uk/recycling.