A Keighley man has spoken out after repeated fly‑tipping behind his home has left him feeling distressed, overwhelmed and ignored by authorities.
Tommy McAndrew, who lives in the area, said the fly‑tipping began around October last year while he was away working for several weeks. When he returned home, he discovered a significant amount of waste dumped at the rear of his garden.
He reported the issue to the council on November 15 but says the problem has still not been resolved months later.
Bradford Council says that because the fly‑tipped waste is on private land, the legal responsibility for clearing it lies with the landowner, even though they acknowledge the landowner is a victim of a crime.
“I physically can’t deal with it”
Mr McAndrew explained that the dumped waste is located at the back of his property on steep ground, making it extremely difficult for him to access.
He said ongoing health issues, including reduced strength in his arm and problems with his leg and balance, mean he is physically unable to remove the waste himself.
Mr McAndrew said: “I can’t walk up there properly…there’s a steep gradient and I’m scared of falling. I just can’t physically move it.”
Among the fly‑tipped items, he said, are large pieces of waste including a fridge, meaning specialist removal would likely be required.
Impact on mental health
Beyond the physical challenge, Mr McAndrew said the situation has had a serious impact on his mental health.
He said: “It really gets me down in a big way... my head was already a bit of a mess, and this just made everything worse. I struggle to get up some mornings.”
He added that the stress and worry about potential removal costs have added to the strain, particularly as he has been off work.
“I’m the victim of a crime”
Mr McAndrew said a council warden visited and told him the waste was considered his responsibility, something he strongly disputes.
He said: “I’m the victim of a crime, I didn’t dump this here. Why should I be responsible for getting rid of somebody else’s rubbish?”
He believes a lack of enforcement has encouraged repeat fly‑tipping in the area.
Council response
In response, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: “This fly‑tipping has been reported to us and we are investigating. However, due to this waste being on private land, the legal responsibility and costs for clearing it rest with the landowner.
“We recognise that this is an unfair situation, when the fly‑tipping is not the fault of the landowner, but they are the victim of a crime. As a council we will always look to take enforcement action. This can include issuing Fixed Penalty Notices as an alternative to prosecution in suitable cases, or pursuing a prosecution through the courts for more serious offences."
Bradford Council said: “In successful cases, the courts can award compensation, which may help recover some or all of the costs incurred by the landowner.”
Calls for action
Mr McAndrew said he wants to see those responsible held accountable and hopes the council can do more to support residents affected by fly‑tipping.
“They need to go after the people who dumped it,” he said. “Not leave it to people who are already struggling.”
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