CUTGATE residents are being asked to help identify the culprit who dumped rubbish in an alleyway behind their homes – or risk being charged by the council.
Complaints have been received by the council about rubbish, including an old wardrobe and kitchen worktop, being left at the back of homes in Edenfield Road.
The council’s environmental management team has written to people living in the houses 320-340 Edenfield Road telling them that although the illegal dumping may not have been carried out by any of the residents, help is needed to identify where the waste has come from to avoid ‘unnecessary action or charges’ for the removal of the rubbish being levied on all the residents.
Edenfield Road resident Vinny Williams says he is not responsible for the rubbish and he is furious at being asked to provide information to the council.
He is concerned that his neighbours, including an elderly woman, may be frightened at the idea of being charged for something that they have not done if they don’t find the culprit.
He said: "We have not received a deadline from the council and the culprit may not even have received a letter. I went to see someone at the service in Heywood and they said it was my concern because I will be getting billed if they don’t find the culprit."
He added: "I also feel that it is not my job to go snitching on people."
Peter Cunningham, head of Rochdale Council’s environmental management service, said: "The letter sent to the residents of Edenfield Road is a standard letter explaining the responsibility on residents to keep the alleyway to the rear of their properties clear of refuse. Unfortunately, if the waste is not removed then there is legislation available for the council to remove the items and apportion the charges between them. If an offence is witnessed by a resident, but the resident is unwilling to provide a statement to substantiate this, then this is the only course of action we can take."
If any member of the public witnesses incidents of fly-tipping they can contact a member of the enforcement team via the contact centre on 0845 226 1800.
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MPs gravy train, UK (18/02/2009 at 10:36)
The council should remove it now they know its there.
This council sometimes can't see the bigger picture. Why did they allow a contractor to dig up Edenfield Road at Cutgate/Passmonds and leave it in the shocking state that it is now in? That will cost hundreds of thousands to put right!
Charles de Mar, Lower Fold, Rochdale (19/02/2009 at 10:58)
If the Council didn't charge so much for vans and prevent 4x4s to get in the recycling centres, things like this wouldn't happen.
A lesson for all you fly tippers - leave your rubbish next to a council owned business property or that home of a Councillor; I'm positive they will put in that little extra effort to identify the REAL culprits then.
zeesh, Rochdale (19/02/2009 at 12:21)
Tony Rooper, Rochdale (19/02/2009 at 19:21)
Justin 07856 341809
Irene Duckworth (23/02/2009 at 14:37)
A. Spokesperson (26/02/2009 at 16:11)
They preside over a decaying town that looks more like a third word township!