"Dangerous" fly-tipping blocked country road near Wollaston

A key-worker courier who was returning home from his evening shift said he was shocked at finding his way blocked by a dumped load of fly-tipped refuse.

Thomas Spence, who works for DHL, was using a country lane route home from Farndish to Wollaston on Thursday night (April 23) at 9.45pm when he caught sight of a pile of rubbish at the T-junction In Irchester Road.

Mr Spence said: "Luckily I wasn't driving fast. It's a straight road and I've got pretty good headlights so I saw the rubbish.

"The roads are quiet at night and fly-tipping is becoming quite a regular thing. When it's on the verge it's bad, but in the middle of the road is dangerous.

"The area is an easy target. It's a regular hot-spot. I do about 1,200 miles a week and I think it's a million times worse.

"It's a pain in the backside. There's no need to block a road."

Mr Spence reported the fly-tipping which included multiple fence panels, black bin bags full of rubbish and a set of white drawers to Wellingborough Council straight away.

Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of Wellingborough council, said: “We are spending a lot more time at home at the moment and this might seem like the perfect time to have a clear out or finish off that DIY project.

"However it is important that items are disposed of legally, not only to protect our countryside but to avoid a hefty fine.

"Officers will investigate all reports of fly-tipping with a view to prosecute anyone found dumping their waste in our borough. Please keep items stored at home until you’re able to take them to the household waste and recycling centres or use a licensed waste collector if absolutely necessary.

"Using an unlicensed waste carrier may result in a fine, always check their full credentials before agreeing to use their service."

Wellingborough Council's refuse team, Norse, removed the items on Friday and have promised to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

Mr Griffiths added: "Norse are working hard to continue to collect household waste, and responding to and clearing all reported fly-tipping offences.

"Anyone who discovers fly-tipping is advised to report this to Norse via the council’s website online form as soon as possible."

Wellingborough Norse have had fewer fly-tipping incidents reported compared to last year. In April 2019 there were 83 reports, with 2020's reports 67 to date.

However, the tonnage of fly-tipped waste has increased with more than 6.38 tonnes of extra rubbish being cleared - from 58.26 tonnes in April 2019 to 64.64 tonnes so far during April 2020.

In an unrelated incident police arrested a man in Wellingborough on Friday on suspicion of fly-tipping

To report fly-tipping in the Borough of Wellingborough click here.

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