SOUTHEND MP PLEDGES TO FIGHT ILLEGAL WASTE DUMPING

Yesterday in Parliament, David Amess MP joined the Minister for Local Environment, Marine and Animal Welfare, the Chair of the Environment Agency, and the Chair of the Local Government Association, to sign a parliamentary pledge designed to raise greater awareness of waste crime and its affect on the environment.

The event was attended by MPs and peers from throughout the UK who turned up to show their support and raise awareness of this important issue.

Mr Amess, speaking at the pledge, said:

“A number of my constituents have raised issues such as fly-tipping at my surgery. This is a serious concern for local residents as it is not only unsightly but puts a serious strain on the Council’s recourses. I have signed up top the pledges below and I urge individuals and businesses in my constituency of Southend West to follow.”

Sir John Harman, chair of the Environment Agency added;

“There are over 1 million fly-tipping incidents each year ranging from a black bin liner full of ordinary household rubbish to lorrryloads of construction dumped in parks and areas of natural beauty.

The Environment Agency tackles the big, bad and nasty side of fly-tipping. For example, over 40 per cent of the fly-tipped incidents we deal with are of hazardous waste and the problem costs us over quarter of a million pounds every year to clean up.

Fly-tipping and waste crime can a real risk to the environment and human health. Today’s event is all about raising awareness of the problem and I am really pleased to see MPs from all over the country taking part.”

As Chair of the Local Government Association, Lord Sandy Bruce Lockhart commented,

“Fly tipping is highly antisocial, it spoils neighbourhoods and costs councils over £50 million a year to clear up. Local authorities are working hard with residents and businesses to minimise the amount of waste produced and are helping them to dispose of waste responsibly. Councils will not tolerate fly tipping and are determined to catch and prosecute offenders. We strive to keep where you live clean and tidy and want to ensure our local areas are safe for everyone to enjoy.”

 The Waste Crime Pledges include:

1. 'I pledge to think before giving my waste to anyone else - to check that they are registered by the Environment Agency to take it, either by calling 08708 506 506 or online'

2. 'I pledge to report any fly-tipping to my local authority -  and any large scale illegal dumping of waste and pollution to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60’

3. ' Waste crime is unacceptable  - it causes real and lasting damage to the environment. I pledge to raise awareness of waste crime where I can'

Flycapture is the national database of fly-tipping incidents that has been set up by Defra, the Environment Agency and the Local Government Association to get a better picture of the problem of illegally dumped waste dealt with by local authorities.

Data from 2005/06 detailing the nature of the fly-tipping incidents, including a regional breakdown can be found at

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/flytipping/flycapture.htm