A COUNCILLOR says he hopes Lichfield District Council will support a fly-tipping crackdown “by any means necessary”.
The Government has unveiled a new Waste Crime Action Plan which sets out new efforts to tackle waste crime by closing loopholes and equipping regulators with new powers.
Offenders could be ordered to carry out unpaid work cleaning streets and parks, as well as being required to repay the cost of clearing the rubbish they dump.
It comes after a raft of fly-tipping incidents across Lichfield and Burntwood in recent months.
Cllr Russ Bragger, chair of the local Labour party, said he hoped the new measures would be utilised by Lichfield District Council wherever necessary.
He said:
“Fly-tipping is a scourge on our community, so the Government is bringing in tough new rules to force waste criminals to clean up their own mess and pay for the damage they cause.
“We want the whole of Lichfield District Council to join us in welcoming the Waste Crime Action Plan – and to work to crack down on the selfish criminals who want to flout our laws and leave their rubbish in our community.”
Cllr Bragger said he believes that expanding enforcement activity was also key.
As part of the new proposals, the Environment Agency is also looking to increase activity on the ground to tackle waste criminals.
Cllr Bragger said:
“This plan is backed by an additional £45million from the Government over the next three years.
“It will strengthen enforcement activity and ensure waste criminals face the consequences of their actions.
“For too many communities across England, criminals have left them living in the shadow – and the smell – of illegal waste sites – but this government will not put up with it.”
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds said:
“Waste criminals have been damaging our communities, countryside, environment and economy for too long.
“This action plan sends a clear message: dump illegally and you will face the full consequences.
“Waste criminals will be forced to join clean up squads and made to pay for the clearing of illegal waste sites. We will give enforcement officers new police-style powers to bring offenders to justice.”
