HI-TECH action to combat fly tipping in Silsden has been demanded after three separate piles were dumped in one day in the same area.

District and town councillor Adrian Naylor has called for hidden CCTV cameras to be installed in rubbish hotspots to catch tippers in the act.

He raised the alarm after the household and trade rubbish was found in remote Brunthwaite Lane and Light Bank Lane.

The incidents followed one instance of fly-tipping in Brunthwaite Lane the previous week, and social media reports of dumped rubbish in the Bolton Road and Brunthwaite Bridge areas of Silsden.

Cllr Naylor, who sits on both Bradford and Silsden councils, said the first rubbish pile in Brunthwaite Lane was removed swiftly by Bradford Council after he reported it.

He said he hoped the new piles would receive similar treatment.

Cllr Naylor said: “The first fly-tipping was the equivalent of a transit van full. Then the latest amount appeared about 100 yards further down Brunthwaite Lane.

“The first pile looked like a combination of house clearance and the second one was more like domestic refuse – food, dolls. There was a mattress.

“There were two other piles. One in Light Bank Lane had a pallet, flooring and tubs of adhesive, so that’s definitely a job-related thing.

“Two or three hundred yards away there was a pallet with industrial waste. It was more like trade waste.

“The pile in Light Bank Lane was suffering because of the high winds, the rubbish was flying into the fields. It wasn’t just one eyesore in one spot, but in quite a few places.”

“It was the fourth time in less than a fortnight, so this has become a hotspot. There have also been references on social media about fly-tipping on the road from Bolton Road, and Brunthwaite Bridge.

“It’s obviously become an issue in Silsden. People can ditch their load within five minutes and be away without anyone seeing them, so we need some evidence.

“I want the council to put up surveillance cameras.”

Bradford Council this week said fly-tipping was a criminal activity and a national problem that had been on the rise for many years, causing damage to the environment and becoming a growing burden on the Council Tax payer.

A Council spokesman said:“If fly-tipping is reported it will be dealt with appropriately. All incidents of fly-tipping are investigated to try and identify anything among the rubbish which can indicate its source so we can take action.

“Bradford Council employs a range of measures to tackle fly-tipping including CCTV cameras to catch the culprits and seizing vehicles known to be involved in fly-tipping.

“We have a number of mobile cameras that are deployed at sites across the district in an attempt to identify people tipping rubbish in more remote areas.

“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 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 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 by the public if they call the Council or 01274 431000 or by going online at www.bradford.gov.uk.