Waste dumped on local bridle path

FLY-TIPPING recently plagued Semington’s bridleway, provoking disgust on social media and words of warning from Wiltshire Police.

Piles of unwanted furniture were found near St George’s Place, Semington, which included sofas, doors, a wardrobe and chair, and various pieces of wood.

Local people took to Facebook to express their disbelief at the mess.

Donna Hickman said, “There are five piles of this rubbish! Amongst it all is a chest of drawers, sofas and other furniture, tiles, flooring, a broken mirror and lots of wood with nails in. Absolutely disgusting!”

Graham Hickman wrote, “Disgusting. These people have probably taken the money from someone to dispose of this rubbish but have only done half the job and will leave the tax payer to foot the bill in cleaning it up.”

Local Police Community Support Officer Janet Gould said, “We would encourage people to phone  101 if any suspicious vehicles are seen entering/exiting bridle paths, country lanes, entrances to fields etc.

“Fly-tipping is not a huge problem in the area but when it does happen, it is costly for the council to remove and spoils the countryside for the public and animals.

“When householders hire a company to work for them and take waste away, they should always check the company has the appropriate  waste carrying and disposal licences. Fly-tippers can face heavy fines if prosecuted by Environmental Health.”

Fly-tippers can be fined up to £50,000 and may even be imprisoned for up to five years.

All fly-tipping should be reported by calling the police on 101 or contacting Wiltshire Council on 0300 456 0105.