'Erratic' fly-tipping has been a problem in Petworth for 'at least five years'

‘Erratic’ fly-tippers in Petworth have been condemned by their victims.
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Bruce Robertson, managing director of security system supplier Zedlock Limited, runs Riverhill Shoot in Petworth.

He said the issue of fly-tipping has been ongoing for at least five years, with gateways regularly blocked by unsightly rubbish.

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He added: “It happens erratically. Someone tipped over a trailer full of things a couple of times. It blocks the path which we regularly use.

Fly-tipping on Riverhill Lane, pictured by a wildlife cameraFly-tipping on Riverhill Lane, pictured by a wildlife camera
Fly-tipping on Riverhill Lane, pictured by a wildlife camera

“It happens such a lot around that area and we’re sick of it. It’s on the lorry route around Petworth, which is a busy road.

"Our wildlife camera captured it happening but the police say it’s down to the council and they’re not prosecuting so we’re a bit stuck.”

Forester Neil Humphris said he has endured ‘repeated dumping of commercial tree waste’, including large amounts of wood chip and lumps of wood.

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He added: “It is generally dumped in gateways and laybys along quiet country lanes after dark. Then either we or the local council have to spend lots of money, which they can’t afford to waste, and time clearing it up.”

Fly-tipping on Riverhill Lane, pictured by a wildlife cameraFly-tipping on Riverhill Lane, pictured by a wildlife camera
Fly-tipping on Riverhill Lane, pictured by a wildlife camera

Sussex Police said the issue at Riverhill Lane was first brought to its attention in May.

A spokesperson said: “The person reporting was advised to report the incident to the local authority and the local neighbourhood policing team were informed so that they could continue to include the area as part of their regular patrols.

"Further information on how we and our partners tackle anti-social behaviour such as fly-tipping can be found on our website: https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/fly-tipping-and-other-littering/"

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Have you been affected by fly-tipping? Let us know by emailing [email protected].

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