Hastings fly tippers set to cost £80,000 this year

Hastings residents are being urged to report fly tippers to help the council crack down on a growing problem which is set to cost more than £80,000 to clear up this year.
Fly tippers cost Hastings Borough Council nearly £60,000 last year SUS-161019-163304001Fly tippers cost Hastings Borough Council nearly £60,000 last year SUS-161019-163304001
Fly tippers cost Hastings Borough Council nearly £60,000 last year SUS-161019-163304001

Last year, there were 1,712 incidents of fly tipping, costing Hastings Borough Council £59,920 to sort out.

In 2016 the picture is looking even worse, with 1,535 incidents up to October 31, and forecasted costs of more than £80,000 by the end of the year.

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“This is a real problem for our communities, causing danger and inconvenience to residents as well as large costs,” said the council’s lead member for environment Warren Davies.

“Fly tipping is on the rise and with fewer street wardens and police community support officers on the streets, councillors are now the main people reporting it so we are urging residents to help us.

“The online form is really quick and simple to fill out, just tell us where the fly tipping is, and if you actually saw it being dumped then include any useful information such as the time and date or a vehicle registration.

“If it’s safe to take a photo, you can upload that too.”

Witnesses can report fly tipping at my.hastings.gov.uk, the council’s on line self-service system.

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The council investigates all reports, visiting nearby homes and looking at CCTV and other evidence.

Fly tipping carries a fine of up to £20,000, and offenders can even be sent to prison.

If you need to dispose of bulky items and you can’t take them to the tip yourself, the council offers a collection service for £21 for up to three items.

To book a collection call 01424 451077 – bear in mind this will be suspended over the Christmas period but will be available again from January 2.

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From February, residents will be also be able to book a bulky waste collection via my.hastings.gov.uk.

If items are still in good condition and meet safety regulations, an alternative is to pass them to someone else online, or charities may be willing to pick them up to sell in their stores.

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