Pictures catalogue fly-tipping

Residents of a Shropshire town have made a catalogue of more than 60 photographs showing fly-tipping in what has become known as one of the worst hit areas for rubbish dumping.Shifnal residents even found a motor boat left at The Hem about two weeks ago.

David Dovaston, the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Shifnal and Albrighton, has been recording evidence of fly-tipping.

He said most of the rubbish was being dumped in Nanny Murphy's Lane and a lane off Haughton Road which passes under the motorway.

He said: "You name it and it's being dumped. Recently we sent a questionnaire out to farmers in the area and almost 100 per cent of the replies stated that fly-tipping was a major concern to them.

"The boat was the item that caught everyone's eye but the problem is far greater than people think here.

"We get sofas, mattresses, timber, fridges and bags of all sorts of stuff being dumped and I've taken pictures and passed them on the Bridgnorth District Council."

The area, which is used by groups of walkers and dog owners, is now approaching one of its best times of the year, with bluebells coming out in nearby woodland.

But residents say enjoyment of this part of the countryside is being spoiled by those who feel that they are above the law.

Resident John Bridgman said, after the Shropshire Star publicised the situation a fortnight ago, Severn Trent cleared up the mess very quickly.

He said: "It was very good to see it cleared away. But now people have dumped more rubbish. Several people have commented about it. People are absolutely disgusted. There are perfectly good well-run tips.

"I don't know why people think they are above the law."

Steve Brown, head of leisure and amenity services and Bridgnorth District Council, said council workers had been out to the areas of concern yesterday and they should be cleared by this afternoon.

"There is fly-tipping all over the district and the county and it often happens in some of the more tucked away lanes," he added.

"As soon as we become aware of it we try to clear it away as soon as possible. Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping can report it to us on (01746) 713190."

Bags of rubbish dumped in the Shifnal area.

"You name it and it's being dumped," says David Dovaston.

Fly-tipping is a major concern. nextpage

An old sofa bed abandoned at the roadside. nextpage

Empty propane cylinders dumped by fly-tippers.

Abandoned tyres are among the rubbish dumped.