Fly-tipping is a blight on our rural communities, and for too long, not enough has been done to fix it. This week is Rural Crime Action Week and like many of you, I’m fed up with the lack of action on fly-tipping in our beautiful countryside.
That’s why I’m hoping you will join me and put your name next to an open letter I am writing to the leader of Central Bedfordshire Council and the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, urging them to set out their plan to tackle fly-tipping.
And while we are right to be frustrated at the current lack of action, let me be clear, the main issue is the criminals who are treating our countryside with contempt.
It affects our farmers too. When fly-tipping happens on their land, most of the time it is their responsibility to get it cleared and foot the bill.
Getting authorities to take action is key. It’s not just key to restoring pride in our environment, but it’s key to catching the criminals who are dumping this waste.
Often, evidence of who is committing these crimes can be found in the dumped waste, so it’s imperative that the waste is cleared so investigations can take place.
At the moment, with no action, there is no deterrent.
Constituents tell me of their frustrations with authorities not taking action. One example is the current mess along Barton Hill Road – with tyres, black bin bags, and other household waste just dumped along the verge.
A resident informed me they had reported this issue and even met with authorities about it in May, who had said preventative and clearing up action would be taken. But months later, nothing had been done.
Our beautiful rural communities deserve better than this.
If you want to send a message to our local council and the Police and Crime Commissioner that we need to see action on fly-tipping, then please do head to my website and put your name next to my open letter.
Please show your support and put the pressure on our authorities to act now.
This is a monthly guest column provided by
Blake Stephenson, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire.
It is published unedited and does not
reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
