Hundreds of fly-tippers flout the law – not one has been prosecuted
A JAW-dropping 469 fly-tipping incidents have been reported locally in just three years – and no-one has ever been nabbed.
Campsie and Kirkintilloch North councillor David Ritchie said it was “just the tip of the iceberg”, with many cases may never reported to the council in the first place.
He added: “It is really concerning that out of all these cases there has not been one prosecution.
“It seems that these illegal dumpers are getting away with it time and time again.
“I am aware that the very nature of fly-tipping makes it difficult to catch people in the act, but we really need to send out a message that it is not acceptable.
“The council must crack down hard on the people who are treating our communities with such contempt.”
He added: “I think the council needs to be a bit more proactive, perhaps educating people that they don’t need to fly-tip, they can take items to the dump or arrange a special uplift.”
Kenny Simpson, head of housing and community services at East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “The council endeavours to identify offenders, but it is not always possible as most fly-tipping takes place in the evenings, when it is unlikely that incidents will be witnessed.
“While there have been no prosecutions for fly-tipping incidents, we continue to work towards identifying the culprits by looking for evidence and monitoring known ‘hotspots’.
“Arrangements are made to have offending materials removed as quickly as possible once incidents are brought to our attention or are identified by our officers. Anyone caught fly-tipping could face a fixed penalty of £50.”
Mr Simpson said the council provided information on its website about waste collection and recycling, and offered a free special uplift service for moveable household items, which can be arranged on-line or by calling 0300 123 4510.
Information leaflets and promotional material is also produced throughout the year.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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