Vigilence urged to combat fly tipping

The Alderman said illegal dumping, or fly tipping as it is also known, has been an ongoing issue for the rural community for several years, but he says tipping has increased dramatically in the past few months and he is particularly angry about the dumping of tyres as it appears they have been cut from the wheels of vehicles using equipment only found on specialist premises.

“The tyres are mostly car tyres, but there are a number of lorry tyres which are a lot larger, and upon inspection it looks very much like that they have been cut off the rims of the vehicles concerned. I am sure that this is being done in this manner purely because whoever is responsible and who is behind doing the dumping, has removed the tyres with a few to salvaging the steel rim given the high value of scrap at the moment,” he said.

“There are only a limited number of places that can do this type of salvage work. Someone somewhere must know who is doing this and they should listen to their conscience and inform the authorities.

The environmental impact of this type of dumping is immense,” Mr Devenney said.

“While I was at the area my attention was also drawn to the well decomposed carcase of a sheep, which I discovered concealed under a hedge. It was a disturmbing find to be honest.

“While I fully sympathise with people because times are hard and people may be feeling ‘the pinch’, there really is no excuse for this type of indescriminate, dangerous dumping of animals. Creating a biohazard like this is dangerous to wildlife and human life, and adds to the rates burden as council staff have to go to great lengths to protect themselves and others in disposing of carcases.

“Motorists pay a premium when they have their tyres changed so this type of vehicle tyre dumping should also not be taking place at all,” he said.

“I have been in discussion with a council official who has given me an assurance that both these hazards are being removed as soon as possible, but I would appeal to country people to keep a close eye on their countryside and report anything suspicious or illegal to the DUP, the Council or the PSNI.”