Fly-tipping issue resolved after stand-off between Council and Environment Agency

A fly-tipping issue at Locking Stumps, Warrington has now been resolved after a stand-off over responsibility to clear up the mess between Warrington Borough Council and the Environment Agency.

Former Mayor Geoff Settle reported the issue of fly-tipping at Spittle Brook near Brookside Farm on Dig Lane, Warrington, last month (September).

Household items including a sofa, chair and cupboards had been dumped on the banks of Spittle Brook.

Mr Settle said the fly-tippers had dumped the stuff via Dig Lane off Locking Stumps Lane.

“The items have been thrown down the banks of Spittle Brook, where the brook goes into a tunnel under Dig Lane. It’s a favorite place to fly tip but I’ve never seen it as bad or on the banks of the brook.
“My view is that people have been dumping on Dig Lane for years and WBC have removed rubbish for me in the past. The Fine sign is having little or no effect.

“The fly-tippers have now targeted the Brook, and this is a flooding issue especially if they return. The Environment Agency has recently done a great job clearing the flood defence area for me, who is going to take on this challenge?”
When he contacted the council he was told it was the responsibility of the Environment Agency.
In response the Environment Agency told Mr Settle: “The Council should investigate, it does not matter if it is on the land or in water.
“Local authorities have a responsibility to remove waste anywhere in the open on ‘relevant land’, again this includes on land or in water
“Local Authorities deal primarily with small, localised incidents of fly-tipping, as I think is the case here, and pass on to the Environment Agency issues involving larger, more serious incidents.”

After being contacted by Warrington Worldwide a Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of fly-tipping around Spittle Brook and arrangements are being made to remove the items.”