We'll nab you, tippers warned (From Penarth Times)

We'll nab you, tippers warned

PENARTH'S spiralling fly-tipping problem is finally to be tackled thanks to crackdown by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Both businesses and individuals responsible for illegal dumping activities are being targeted in a bid to stamp out the growing menace.

Led by the authority's new compliance and enforcement officer, Denise White, the waste management division is planning a number of initiatives to bring offenders to book. These include the use of recently bought CCTV surveillance equipment and prosecution action.

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence - it could lead to the offender having a criminal record.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council's cabinet member for visible services, Cllr Gerald Fletcher, is determined to stop the perpetrators.

He told the News: "Fly-tipping has become a major problem, not just for the council, but also for the wider community whose quality of life is affected and who are having to foot the bill for these acts of vandalism."

In the light of an increasing number of complaints about fly-tipping incidents, the council is asking the public for help.

Cllr Fletcher added: "We are raising awareness of these illegal activities, building up better intelligence and exploring other initiatives to allow us to focus on problem areas and the individuals and companies responsible.

"However, we need the support of the public, who may recognise illegal dumping or the waste itself, in taking enforcement and legal action against offenders. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

The council is also offering free advice to commercial traders and the public on the correct legal procedures for the safe disposal of waste. The council's waste management and cleansing division can be contacted on 029 2067 3099.