Grimsby East Marsh: Fly-tipping of 'epidemic proportions'

One resident said the area was blighted with rubbish

Fly-tipping in an area of Grimsby has reached "epidemic" proportions, according to residents.

Furniture, including a cupboard, sofas and a table, have been dumped in recent weeks in the East Marsh area.

Some said the area was "blighted with rubbish", including used nappies strewn across the road.

North East Lincolnshire Council said anyone caught dumping waste by the roadside or in other unauthorised places faced a £400 fine.

According to residents, there has been a recent spate of incidents near the corner of Castle Street, where it meets Stanley Street, and on Harold Street.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said action was needed to catch and punish those responsible.

"The paths and street are a disgrace," she said.

'More needs to be done'

She said that although a council street cleaning vehicle did come around regularly, those responsible for the fly-tipping were of the mindset that the authority would clear it up and they would not face any consequences.

"Sorry, but more needs to be done," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"It's really an epidemic status until you deal accordingly with these fly-tippers."

She added that the fly-tipping was part of a wider problem with anti-social behaviour in the area, including dog fouling, bonfires and people on motorbikes late at night.

Council officials say offenders risk being issued with a £400 fixed penalty notice

A council spokesperson said: "Most people manage their waste well and I'd like to thank everyone for the way they help us by taking responsibility for their waste.

"However, fly-tipping is a crime. Anyone who is caught now risks a £400 fixed penalty notice.

"Where we find enough evidence, we can also take offenders to court where the penalties can be much harsher."

Last month, the council spent £5,000 getting rid of dumped rubbish from an alley behind homes in the area.

At the time, councillor Stewart Swinburn told BBC Radio Humberside: "Some people expect the council to come and clear it all up, we will take enforcement action if necessary because it should be zero tolerance."

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