MAJOR concerns have been raised over a “spike” in fly-tipping in parts of Bradford - especially in areas which are well-known hotspots. 

These pictures show how the Holmewood estate is being blighted by mess and rubbish being dumped. 

The Bradford Green Party has urged the Council to deploy new cameras as soon as possible in places where there is a significant problem, though it was revealed at a Council meeting early last month that hidden CCTV had been installed at a number of hotspots. 

One resident of Wenborough Lane in Holmewood said: “Every day there seems to be something new dumped. Last week it was piles of horse mess and a significant amount of left-over cement sand. There was a sofa and a fridge dumped last month.

“Most people on the estate are fed up with the small minority of people who think it’s their own private dumping ground and we really need help from Bradford Council to help us get things tidier."

Matt Edwards, Tong Ward community campaigner, said: “Now that we seem to be coming out of the lock-down, we have seen a significant spike in fly-tipping in parts of the city. It’s becoming clear that this is being run on an industrial scale.

"Part of the problem is that some of the worst sites for fly-tipping are on private land. 

“There is a growing pile of household waste on the site of the former Tempest Pub which is shameful.”

Much of the dumped rubbish appears to be on a grassed area outside a fence around the main site of the old pub. 

The Telegraph & Argus was unable to get a comment from the owner, but Bradford Council said it is aware of the problem and is “taking steps to tackle the issues surrounding it.”

Mr Edwards said the site needs to be properly secured and while the Covid-19 situation has slowed things down - now is the time to “get tough”. 

The Green Party is also calling for targeted action to tackle the growing number of scammers – often going door to door - offering to collect rubbish for small fees, then dumping the collected waste, often in very close proximity to where they collected it. 

“Bradford Council’s approach to tackling fly-tipping must include an awareness campaign for residents across the district to make them aware that they need to check that people collecting rubbish have the necessary license to dispose of the waste correctly,” said Mr Edwards.

Bradford Council said “all incident of fly-tipping are investigated” and it employs a range of measures to tackle the problem including CCTV cameras, seizing vehicles involved, issuing Fixed Penalty Notices and bringing prosecutions against those responsible. 

A spokesperson said: “We also carry out regular media and social media campaigns to raise awareness and let the public know how to get rid of their rubbish legally and appropriately. 

“We do not disclose the location of CCTV cameras. If rubbish is dumped on Bradford Council land we will clear it up as soon as we can. Bradford Council is not responsible for rubbish dumped on private land but we will advise the landowner how to get rid of it and suggest ways to prevent a repeat.
“We also have the power to compel the landowner to remove fly-tipped rubbish.

“We are aware of the problem on the site of the former Tempest public house and are we taking steps to tackle the issues surrounding it. As for other areas, if fly-tipping is reported to Bradford Council we will take the appropriate action.

“We also need people to help us in our battle against this menace. If you see fly-tipping taking place, please note down as many details as possible, including vehicle licence plate numbers and inform the Council.”

Fly-tipping can be reported be calling the Council 01274 431000 or online at www.bradford.gov.uk.