Zero tolerance on fly-tipping masked as bonfire sites

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is taking a no-nonsense approach to tackling fly-tipping, especially as we get closer to the festivities of bonfire night and is issuing a stern warning to residents.

Zero tolerance on fly-tipping masked as bonfire sites

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is taking a no-nonsense approach to tackling fly-tipping, especially as we get closer to the festivities of bonfire night and is issuing a stern warning to residents.

The city council does not authorise bonfires in public open spaces unless it’s an official event. There are serious safety concerns over these unlawful events, including no public liability insurance and accountability for the event.

Furthermore, any waste deposits made on council-owned land without appropriate permissions will be dealt with as fly-tipping.

Investigations are currently being carried out after fly-tipping started to build on Monks Neil Park, off Johnson Place in Fegg Hayes, with witnesses noting the vehicle arrive and tipping the waste. The waste is being removed today, Friday 21 October.  

Councillor Carl Edwards, cabinet member for environment and housing has said: “We will not tolerate this behaviour, it is incredibly unsafe and Unauthorised bonfires on any council-owned land will result in on-the-spot fines of £400, vehicle seizures and prosecution proceedings being taken.”

Inspector Hayley Eaton, of the Stoke North local policing team (LPT), said: “The force is continuing to work closely with our local authority partners to ensure illegal fly-tipping is robustly targeted as we approach Bonfire Night.

“Unofficial displays held on public land pose significant safety risks to the community and they will not be tolerated.

“We want to be clear that Bonfire Night is not an excuse to fly tip and we will continue to work alongside our partners to ensure that the public can enjoy the celebratory period safely.”

Rob Barber, Chief Fire Officer at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Bonfire Night and the days surrounding it can be busy for our firefighters. We would advise people to attend a professionally organised display because we know they are much safer with few significant injuries occurring and first aid on hand.

“If you do choose to celebrate with fireworks at home, please plan very carefully. Take care and remember to follow the firework code.

"Playing with fireworks is dangerous so make sure to keep them in a locked and secure container, away from reach of children.

“We don’t recommend having a bonfire in your garden. They can easily get out of hand and spread quickly to hedges, overhanging trees and garages, and even to the house.

“If you do decide to have one in your garden, please follow the advice on our website.”

The city council is also proud to support Staffordshire Police’s campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour this autumn, with Operation Sparkler. We will work with the Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams to ensure that residents feel safe out in public and in their homes and commit to making Halloween and Bonfire Night enjoyable occasions.

A dedicated phone line and email address have been set up for the local community to report any concerns relating to Halloween and Fireworks to:

01782 233400

operationsparkler@stoke.gov.uk

We remind residents to report serious incidents directly to the police.