Belfield branded “cesspit” by resident due to “constant” fly-tipping

Date published: 23 October 2021

A local resident has branded the Belfield area of Rochdale “a cesspit” due to “constant” fly-tipping in the area.

The resident, who did not want to be named, said that dirty nappies and household waste are dumped every day on Gibson Street, Samson Street, Pearson Street and Belfield Lane, and that “it is like living on the tip.”

The resident claims that “no sooner do the council pick it up and clear it, more waste has been dumped,” adding: “Residents of Belfield are fuming with the disgraceful fly-tipping and squalor some of the residents want to live in.

“It is everywhere, and it is about time the council fined people. I am sick of seeing dirty nappies and household waste, rats and dead mice. It is round every corner within two-minutes’ walking distance from the next lot. 

“It has become an absolute cesspit.”

Councillor Liam O'Rourke, cabinet member for environment and facilities, said: “The council have received and responded to 42 reports of illegal fly-tipping in this area in 2021, most of these reports are responded to within 24 hours and residents’ concerns have been noted. To help address these issues, officers will investigate further and take enforcement action where appropriate.

“Additional engagement work with residents is planned and anyone can access support on how to manage waste effectively and discuss bin requirements for their general day to day needs. We’re also looking at other schemes to tackle illegal fly-tipping across the borough.

“Residents should also take advantage of our very reasonably priced bulky waste collections, currently reduced until March 2022, where larger items can be collected from home – ideal for those who may find it difficult to get to a local HWRC. There’s simply no excuse for fly-tipping.

“If you know who is responsible, please contact the council and always check for the appropriate waste carriers’ licence at rochdale.gov.uk/flytipping.”

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and a conviction carries an unlimited fine and/or 12 months’ imprisonment or five years’ imprisonment if convicted at crown court.

If you have any information about fly-tipping or need to check a waste carrier licence visit rochdale.gov.uk/flytipping.

You can also report fly-tipping by calling 0300 303 8884.