THIS is the shocking mess of rubbish dumped at a Bradford beauty spot - just weeks after volunteers came together for a community clean-up.

The “appalling” mess strewn in Heaton Woods has dismayed those who champion the area, who have put time and effort into sprucing it up. 

Celia Hickson, part of the Friends of Heaton Woods group, said: “We put that effort in, it just feels like ‘why’?

“A couple of people have suggested it’s commercial stuff, people avoiding going to the tip and having to pay for a commercial disposal licence, which is really bad.

“It’s a really selfish act. There’s hundreds of people who enjoy that bit of green. Just to drive and dump and then leave - it solves your problem, but creates a massive problem for other people.

“It just feels like ‘why don’t they care about the place that other people enjoy?’

“To put your needs above the needs of other people, is really quite a selfish act.”

She added: “I feel a little bit personally wounded. So many people enjoy that woodland - particularly in lockdown, the footfall through there was massively increased.”

Councillor Nussrat Mohammed (Lab, Heaton) said: “It’s appalling behaviour and I think as a community we need to look at why people feel it’s ok to just dump their stuff.

“If we find the perpetrators, if there’s any evidence, we will prosecute.

“It’s unacceptable behaviour.”

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “If incidents of fly-tipping are reported to Bradford Council they will be dealt with appropriately. Bradford Council employs a range of measures to tackle the crime of fly-tipping, including CCTV cameras to catch the culprits and seizing vehicles known to be involved in fly-tipping. 

“We have the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices or to prosecute through Magistrates’ and Crown courts to fly-tippers and to householders who allow their goods to be fly-tipped by rogue traders. If rubbish is dumped on Bradford Council land we investigate to try and identify the culprits and clear it up as soon as we can.

"Bradford Council is not responsible for rubbish dumped on private land but we will also investigate, 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. 

“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 to the Council 01274 431000 or online at www.bradford.gov.uk .