A fresh call has been sounded for public help in the fight to stamp out fly-tipping.
The move follows the discovery of a staggering eight tonnes of dumped household in a Middlesbrough back alley just days after a deep clean.
The incident – described as ‘soul destroying’ – has prompted renewed calls for residents to look after their neighbourhoods and report the fly-tippers.
The alley behind Angle Street was cleaned just seven days ago as part of a new commitment by Middlesbrough Council to carry out fortnightly clean-ups for all the town’s alleyways.
Since the start of the year 25 individuals have been hit with fines of up to £800 for fly-tipping, with three prosecutions resulting in convictions at court.
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety, said: “Fly-tipping is selfish and inconsiderate and we are doing everything we can to combat it.
“Our fantastic teams work tirelessly to deal with incidents of fly-tipping as they are reported to us, and we can and do prosecute those responsible.
“Incidents like this are shocking and soul-destroying, but we can’t do it alone – we need people to take responsibility for their own neighbourhoods and ensure the culprits are held to account.
“By working together we can reclaim our streets, back alleys and public spaces for the law-abiding folk who take genuine pride in their local area.”
Anyone with information on fly-tipping can send details to evidence@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call the Contact Centre on 01642 726001.
Fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and many other offences can also be reported online at www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/report
Middlesbrough Council offers a safe, free or inexpensive bulky waste collection service. For more information and to request a collection, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/bulky-item-collection or call 01642 726001.
Residents can also book online to dispose of large items at the Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Haverton Hill.
There is no charge for residents but fees apply for businesses.