Increased environmental warden patrols to help tackle 'totally unacceptable' fly-tipping in Craigavon
Councillor Jude Mallon has been given an assurance by ABC Council officers that patrols are being stepped up on Moyraverty Road and Monbrief East Road in Craigavon, to tackle fly-tipping and help catch those who deposit their waste by the roadside illegally.
The situation is being made worse due to the temporary closure of nearby Newline Recycling Centre, in Lurgan, for resurfacing purposes. The facility is due to reopen on February 28.
Speaking at a recent Environmental Services committee meeting of ABC Council, Councillor Mallon (SF) commented: “I would like to raise the ongoing fly-tipping issues at Moyraverty Road and [Monbrief] East Road, which continue to be persistent hotspots, despite their close proximity to the local [Newline] Recycling Centre.
“The two locations are only a three-minute drive from the recycling centre, which highlights a concern. People are choosing not to use the facility, and instead are dumping waste along the roadside.
“This indicates both a behavioural problem and a need for enhanced deterrence and monitoring. Furthermore, the situation is likely worsened significantly due to the [temporary] closure of the recycling centre for resurfacing.
“The only nearby disposal point being unavailable, the volume of roadside dumpings are expected to increase sharply, unless proactive measures are taken.
“Compounding these issues, it recently took 24 days from the date the fly-tipping was reported, to the council lifting the rubbish.
“This is totally unacceptable, particularly in a known hotspot where rapid removal is essential to discourage further dumping, and prevent the site from spiralling into a continuous cycle of waste accumulation.
“In light of this, I ask the committee to consider significantly improving response times for fly-tipping removal, especially in recognised hotspots like Moyraverty Road and [Monbrief] East Road.
“[I ask for] dedicated monitoring and patrols of these locations, particularly during the recycling centre’s closure period.
“[We need to] strengthen deterrent measures such as signage, CCTV assessment, and clear enforcement messaging to discourage illegal dumping.
“[We also need] a review of current service performance, including the 24-day delay, to ensure future reports are acted upon swiftly and constantly.
“[We should consider] temporary alternative arrangements for residents while the recycling centre is closed, to reduce the likelihood of increased dumping.
“These [measures] will help to prevent a predictable surge in fly-tipping, reduce clean-up cost, and maintain the appearance and environmental health of the area.”
Environmental Health manager (Environmental Protection), Paul McCullough informed the Craigavon representative: “The Environmental Health department and the Environmental wardens who do patrol the borough are aware of that particular area.
“They have been out and they have searched the [area] on a couple of occasions, or searched the material for evidence.
“We did actually issue two fixed penalty notices, as a result of names and information that we did find within the waste itself.
“So, those matters are being pursued through our legal processes, and they will provide a deterrent.
“You will maybe recall that the fixed penalty applicable to a fly-tipping incident is £400, so it’s not a small amount by any means.
“So, certainly, we would aim to make sure that the deterrent effect is pushed through. The wardens are also aware that the recycling centre [is temporarily closed], so they have pro-actively programmed that there will be an increased number of inspections in that area.
“It is very frustrating for me, and the officers as well, to see this activity. No matter how much we push this, it persists but we will be there. We will be patrolling.
“if we do obtain anybody’s evidence or witness anybody dumping material, I can assure you it will be dealt with through the enforcement policy that the members have agreed, and that is a ‘zero tolerance’ approach.
“We are working also closely with Environmental Services, in terms of getting material cleared and lifted, and [there is] communication between the two departments in that regard.
“So, we are aware of the issue. There will be proactive patrols, I can assure you of that, with the aim of catching any offenders that appear there in the next wee while.”
Councillor Mary O’Dowd (SF) felt temporary arrangements for waste disposal, in Lurgan, might help the situation.
She asked: “What provisions are in place [while] Newline [is closed]? I know the other recycling centres are extending their hours and things like that, but is there anything in place in Lurgan?
“I know Cllr Mallon had suggested even skips being put outside the recycling centre.”
Head of Environmental Services, Lisa Doherty told the SF councillor: “We [had] given members of the public four weeks’ notice to plan their activities around the closure of Newline. We’ve also got other recycling centres.
“We continue to monitor the situation around the site. We [are working] with Paul’s team and Environmental Health to do regular inspections around the area, and if it does become an issue, we will continue to monitor it and implement actions as necessary.”
Waste has now been cleared on Moyraverty Road and Monbrief East Road.