Transport police slam Polegate fly tipping as a ‘purely selfish act’

Network Rail has said that more than three tonnes of fly-tipped rubbish was cleared from the Thornwell Road level crossing in order to maintain a safe and reliable railway for passengers and a better-looking lineside for neighbours.

The rubbish on and around the level crossing included an old kitchen, garden items and builder’s rubble.

Thornwell Road level crossing, which is near Wilmington, is a prime target for litter and fly tipping and Network Rail have warned the public that litter attracts rats to the railway where they chew on signal cables, which can lead to signal failures, delays and accidents.

Tracy Partridge, level crossing manager at Network Rail said, “It’s amazing what our maintenance teams uncovered during the clean-up operation - items cleared have included ripped-out kitchen units which were dumped carelessly.

“We have a duty to the community to remove this blight from their area – but we would rather invest our time and money renewing and enhancing the rail network.

“This is why we urge anyone who has information about fly tipping to call the British Transport Police and help us fight this costly anti-social crime.”

Jonathan Pine, British Transport Police Inspector, said, “Fly tipping is sometimes seen as an eyesore or a nuisance, but it is a hugely antisocial criminal offence.

“It is costly to clean up and a purely selfish act. BTP work closely with Environment Agency colleagues to actively support prosecution of offenders using a variety of methods.”

Cabinet member with responsibility for Street Scene at Wealden District Council, Councillorr Roy Galley, said, “We are grateful to everyone who has responded to our appeal for information about this very dangerous environmental incident that occurred on January 31 at Thornwell Road level crossing and our investigation continues.

“All fly tipping is a criminal offence, but this one could have resulted in a serious accident.”

Following the success of the clean-up, Network Rail will continue to monitor the area to remove further litter and crack down on fly tippers with the help of relevant authorities.

If found guilty of fly tipping individuals could face an unlimited fine, a prison sentence of up to five years, a forfeiture of vehicles and reclaiming of clean-up costs.

If anyone encounters or has information regarding fly tipping on the railway, they should report it to the British Transport Police on 0800 405 040.