Fly-tipping is still a huge problem (From Free Press Series)

Fly-tipping is still a huge problem

A YEAR after the 'big clean up' in the Woodlands, Penygarn, one local resident has said the problem is as bad as ever.

Local community volunteer Trevor Shankland said thousands of pounds was spent to remove nearly 70 tonnes of rubbish from land at the rear of the Woodlands during a clear-up operation held last year.

But despite all this work, Mr Shankland said there is still a problem with fly tipping on land at the bottom of his garden.

"Last year we had a group of volunteers working to clear rubbish from the area. More recently skips were brought up to clean up the rear of the Woodlands to the American Gardens as part of the Nant Y Gollen Environmental Project, but nothing has been done to clear up the rubbish on land at the bottom of my garden.

"I approached the contractor at the time but was told they were not instructed to do it."

Mr Shankland said he is now plagued by rats as a result of rubbish being dumped on the land.

He added: "When I contacted the council, they said they own the land so it is their responsibility to clean it up."

A spokesman for Torfaen Council said: "We haven't had any rat complaints since February when there was some takes of poison however, we have arranged for a re-visit on Wednesday.

"There is a serious fly-tipping problem in this area and we would urge residents to call us if they know anyone who is dumping rubbish illegally.

"Last year we cleared away 75 tonnes of rubbish in a single clearance. Since then we have installed a gate on the path that leads down to this area to stop people carrying large items to dump.

"We have also occasionally provided skips in the area to help reduce fly tipping. A housing officer is going to visit Mr Shankland this week as he is complaining about a specific location at the end of his garden."