Suspected waste dumping culprits identified in North Lincolnshire
Two lorry trailers of waste were dumped near Flixborough Industrial Estate
Suspected culprits have been identified for the dumping of two large trailers laden with waste on a road in North Lincolnshire earlier this summer. Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham (Conservative – Brigg and Wolds Ward) confirmed the update in a recent Facebook Live Q&A.
He also indicated he hoped the legal process led to a fine “so big it rocks them to their core”. Two lorry trailers full of waste were dumped on Ramsden Road near Flixborough Industrial Estate on the weekend of June 27-29.
The waste the trailers contained included numerous vehicle tyres, insulation boards, gas bottles and general broken glass. Because of the trailers’ damaged state, the doors could not be safely opened. This made removal of the waste more complicated as not all of its contents were originally known.
The council had to bring in specialist contractors to tackle it, with it removed between July 20 and 22, with a road closure in place at that time. No asbestos was found as part of the waste, which made the operation easier than first thought.
Cllr Waltham said he thought whoever dumped the trailers were “complete buggers”. He added: “They cost the taxpayer a load of money and we will be able to recover that and I do hope we pursue them to the end of the earth.” He emphasised the council had a “zero tolerance” approach to fly tipping. Cllr Waltham also expressed his thanks to all who had reached out and provided intelligence concerning the trailers.
“They were brilliant, so thank you to everybody, but I promise you everything’s happening, it’s whirling through the system. It’s not quick, because you have to bring an action, but things are looking good.”
It was not the only time fly tipping came up during the recent live Q&A. One question asked if there was any hope with anti-social behaviour and litter issues around Sheffield Street, Scunthorpe.
“Fundamentally, the challenge we’ve got in that area is the council doesn’t ask anybody to drop litter, they don’t ask anybody to fly tip,” responded Cllr Waltham. He pointed to selective licensing, which puts more onus in an area on landlords taking action against littering tenants, as an example of council action on the issue.
“The taxpayer can’t keep picking up the cost, so we’ve got to work more closely with landlords, which is one of the reasons why we’re regulating.” Cllr Waltham also said the council was looking at different types of CCTV for the area.
He added, however, he could see the question coming up in years to come because of some people “who leave the place in a complete mess and there’s no need for it”.
“Thankfully, a lot of the people who fly tip are incredibly thick and they leave their personal details on there, and we always come for you.”