Community tackling street fly-tipping 'epidemic'

Semilong Road is a frequent target for litterbugs and had an average of 13 fly-tipping incidents a week last year

Members of a local garden project are calling on their community to "join forces" against extensive fly-tipping on their street.

Semilong Road in Northampton had 672 reports of fly-tipping in 2023 - an average of nearly 13 incidents a week, according to West Northamptonshire Council.

In response, Lou Troy started a community garden by using abandoned tyres as flower planters.

"If we all join forces, we can tackle this fly-tipping epidemic because it’s unacceptable," she said.

Lou Troy had the idea of turning the heavily fly-tipped area into a mini urban garden

Since the first tyres were planted two years ago, following a £700 grant from Northampton Town Council, a stretch of the road has remained free of fly-tipping.

Ms Troy said before the initiative started, residents "literally couldn't walk down the road" and described the area as "depressing".

The group now share their hard work and volunteering opportunities on their Facebook page.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Troy said the group were focusing on restoring an area at the end of Semilong Road behind the children’s playground and basketball pitch.

Once it is cleared, the group want to open the area up for the community one night a week.