Fly-tippers are taking advantage of New Mossley community, claims PUP man

New Mossley Community Group and Progressive Unionist Party representative Jack Shaw spoke out after dozens of pallets and tyres were dumped on the green at Manse Way last week, sparking concerns among some local residents that collecting had started for next year’s July 11 bonfire.

Mr Shaw, who was contacted by a member of staff at a local school about the issue, spoke to bonfire builders in the estate and said he was given an assurance that they have not yet started collecting for next year’s bonfire.

The pallets and tyres were later removed from the site.

“The local community does not want that site turned into a rubbish tip. We realise there is going to be a bonfire there, but if we work with the people on the ground I think it can be managed properly to make sure we don’t get the sort of mess we had last year,” Mr Shaw said.

“I would appeal to people not to fly-tip here - they are just taking advantage of our community when they do this.”

At the time of publication, several stacks of tyres were still lying behind the shops in the estate.

However, having been assured that the tyres are not being stored for next year’s bonfire, Mr Shaw said he has contacted the NI Housing Executive in a bid to arrange their removal.

“This isn’t just a few tyres,” he said. “There was a whole lorry load of them fly-tipped in the estate. They are a danger as the kids are climbing on them and rolling them down the hill. Whoever is dumping these tyres has to stop.”

Meanwhile, New Mossley Community Group will hold an EGM in the Elim Church in the estate on December 16 at 6pm. The meeting will see the group elect a new treasurer and chairperson.