Fly-tipping Alert!

Fly-tipping in Sussex
The Guardian DataBlog: Fly-tipping in Sussex. Photograph: John Curtis / Rex Features
It seems that there is a spate of fly-tipping in the area, with Wollerton being particularly badly affected. A large amount of rubbish was recently dumped in a field gateway on Mill Road between the Old Hall and the A53 bypass. Another local resident has told the webteam that there is an increasing amount of rubbish being dumped nearby, close to the Tennis Club.
A recent BBC 1 series called “Don’t Mess With Me” highlighted the persistent problem of discarded rubbish from fast food wrappings through to dog-fouling. Episode 3 highlighted the blight of fly-tipping. (It is available on iPlayer until 24 Dec.) Amongst other things it pointed out that whilst local councils clear fly-tipped rubbish from public places, land owners have to clear it at their own expense!
Shropshire Council asks all residents to report any incident of fly tipping either by phone on 0345-678-9006 or via the form linked from this page on their website. The information they ask for includes the following:

  • Where the incident took place. Please give as much information as possible to enable us to find the location;
  • Date, day and time that the fly-tipping took place (or when you first noticed it);
  • A description of what was tipped and the quantity, for instance household items, gas canisters or broken glass;
  • If you witnessed the rubbish being dumped what happened? Make a note of how many people were involved, what did they looked like, what did they do, was a vehicle involved? If so, note any means of identifying the vehicle/s;
  • Did anyone else witness the fly-tipping? If so who? (Witnesses may be asked to appear in court.)

If you have a camera-phone with you when you come across someone fly-tipping, you may want to try to take a discreet photograph or video.
Shropshire Council also list the following reasons why fly-tipping is a problem:

  • As council tax payers, cleaning up fly-tipping costs us all money;
  • It is dangerous and potentially harmful to you and your family’s health;
  • It spoils our enjoyment of the environment;
  • It can cause serious pollution to the environment;
  • It attracts arson and further fly-tipping;
  • It can be dangerous for wildlife.

Finally, it is better for several people to report instances of this anti-social behaviour than for all of us to think someone else will do it…

This is a story about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.
Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did.
When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because it was Anybody’s job.
Everybody thought Somebody would do it, but Nobody realised that Anybody wouldn’t do it.
So it ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody because Nobody had done what Anybody could have done.