Clampdown on illegal festive fly-tipping

Incidents of illegal fly-tipping increase over the weekend and holiday periods and Christmas is one of the worst times for dumping.

So with Christmas fast approaching Craigavon Borough Council is reminding residents that anyone caught fly-tipping will be prosecuted.

Fly-tipping is a major issue within the borough and so far this year 10 people have been prosecuted for dumping waste materials and currently council is actively pursuing a number of other cases.

“Fly-tipping is not just unsightly it is a health hazard.

“I would encourage residents to report incidents of fly-tipping in your community to the council giving details of the location and if possible details of perpetrators” said chair of environmental services committee, Alderman Arnold Hatch.

“Holiday periods, particularly Christmas, can see an increase in people disposing of their waste irresponsibly, bags of rubbish have even be left outside the gates of the recycling centres on Christmas Day.”

The council has two recycling centres, the Fairgreen Household Recycling Centre in Portadown and New Line Household Recycling Centre in Lurgan and residents can use for these facilities for disposal of additional household waste.

The centres will be open until 4.45pm on Tuesday, December 24 and will reopen again at 9am on Friday, December 27 for Christmas.

The centres will also be closed on New Year’s Day, reopening again at 9am the following day.

Residents are reminded that they should not leave waste outside the recycling centres when they are closed.

A bulky refuse collection service is also available for larger items of household waste at charge of £5 per lift of up to three bulky household items.

A collection can be arranged by calling 3833 9031 or booking and making a payment at www.craigavononline.com.

In a campaign to reduce the number of fly-tipping incidents, especially over the festive period environmental wardens will be closely monitoring fly-tipping ‘hotspots’.

Someone caught fly-tipping can currently face fines of up to a maximum of £2,500 depending on the severity of the case.

For further information regarding ongoing littering initiatives and campaigns contact Pamela Hanna on 3831 2534 or by email [email protected]