There were almost 4,000 fly-tips in Stockport last year — but no one was fined for a single one.
That’s according to new data from the government, which says there were 3,996 fly-tips in the borough from April 2020 to March 2021.
All of those incidents were investigated by the council, which resulted in four statutory notice actions, and three duty of care actions, the data — supplied via insurer Lycetts — suggests.
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No fines were handed out for any of the 3,996 incidents recorded.
The council says that Covid-19 ‘pressures’ meant enforcement officers had to be ‘redeployed’ to other duties.
When shown the figures by the Manchester Evening News , residents blasted the litter-louts.
“I think it's ridiculous. It is appalling,” Donald Thompson said. “I live out in the New Mills area. Even in that area there are spots that are disgusting. It's terrible.
“They found mattresses and half a bedroom. Someone the other week dropped a stripped kitchen and all the bits — cupboards and drawers.”
Joyce Evbage agreed: “I think it is terrible.
“It is not too bad where I live — in Marple. There is not enough fines.”
John Thomas also believes the onus is on fly-tippers not to offend — but more stringent action is required.
“They should not do it. If they let them get away with it then they will carry on,” he explained. “You do get the odd one [near me]. It is a cul-de-sac, so after dark people drop stuff. The council does come and collect it.
“They can drop anything. They drop carpets and black bags. There’s nothing you can do. “There’s a lot of old people who are around there. It is an eyesore and not nice for them. They can attract rats and you don’t want them.”
When asked why no fines had been handed out during the time period, a council spokesperson said the pandemic had meant staff had to be ‘redeployed’.
A statement from Stockport Council said: “Fly tipping is a blight on our community and a criminal offence. It undermines the ability of our residents to live and work in a clean and safe environment.
“Pressures resulting from the Covid pandemic have meant that front line officers who are focused on enforcement have had to be redeployed to other areas of the council. We have also seen a high number of our teams having to self-isolate following positive case of Covid-19.
“Residents can report fly-tipping by using our online form https://www.stockport.gov.uk/start/report-a-fly-tipping-issue ”
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