Flytippers dump rubbish less than a mile from tip

A week after several fence panels were dumped, the same location has been again targeted by fly tippers who this time left an unsightly pile of hard-core, soil and lawn turf.

The secluded spot just off Northallerton Road, Leeming Bar, is at the back of a small industrial estate and also the end of the military airbase runway. It is a popular area for plane spotters, dog walkers and those taking exercise. It is adjacent to a water treatment plant and approximately one mile from Leeming Bar recycling centre.

The discovery was made by local businessman who does not want to be named. He explained that there have been at least two separate incidents which appeared to be committed by somebody renovating a garden. Several fence panels, lawn turf, some topsoil, gravel and hard-core were amongst the items left. There is also other evidence of waste further being left up the lane which leads to Leeming Bar village.

On its website, Hambleton District Council gives details of action to be taken should fly tipping be witnessed. Local aviation enthusiast forums and the RAF police have been informed.

The National Fly-tipping Prevention Group estimates fly tipping in the UK costs between £86m and £186m every year to investigate and clear up, with costs falling on local taxpayers and private landowners. It also poses a significant threat to wildlife, damages our environment, and spoils enjoyment of the countryside. Areas subject to repeated fly-tipping may suffer declining property prices and local businesses may suffer as people stay away.

Government statistics report for 2019-20, local authorities in England dealt with just under one million (976,000) fly-tipping incidents, an increase of two per cent from the 957,000 reported in the previous year. Just under two thirds of fly-tips involved household waste with a small van load followed by the equivalent of a car boot the most common size categories for fly-tipping incidents.