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THE HERALD FRIDAY JANUARY 6 2017


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‘Rubbish response’ to fly-tipping


Stephen Lucas: Fly-tipping caused fire on his property


‘This is a health hazard’: The issue has been ongoing for nine years C A RMA RT H E N S H I R E


COUNTY COUNCIL has been branded 'rubbish' at dealing with illegally dumped waste by a Llanelli resident who says that fly-tipping has blighted his area for almost a decade. Stephen Lucas, who lives in


Maes Y Dafen, says that he has been trying to get the council to do something about the persistent dumping of rubbish outside his home for nine years. The Herald visited Stephen's


home last Saturday (Dec 31) and saw the piles of rubbish dumped on land, which has council signs forbidding ball games. Stephen says that he has contacted the council on numerous occasions about the problem. “The only thing that happens is


that a man comes along with a litter picker and takes the small amount of litter from the kerbside. That is a rubbish response,” he added. Stephen told The Herald that a


car and some rubbish had been set alight in the last few days, with the ensuing fire setting light to his trees and requiring the presence of the fire brigade to put it out. A mountain of rubbish sits within a derelict and dangerous garage and around the lane.


Stephen said: “I just want


someone to come out and clean it up. This is a health hazard and it is not as if I live in a remote spot. This is in plain sight of everyone and goodness knows what kind of things are in those piles. The council should be acting and placing some surveillance in the area.” County Councillor Sharen


Davies, who represents the Llwynhendy ward, spoke to The Herald about her efforts to get something done. She said: “I first reported my concerns regarding fly tipping at the site on January 18, 2016, to Public Protection. A copy was sent to Cllr Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for Public Protection and Environment. I received a reply on February 9 from Catrin Clarke stating ‘the site will be cleared’. “On March 7, I received a phone


call from Mr Lucas (whose property is adjacent to the garage), stating a car had been dumped behind the garage and set alight. I reported this to Environmental Enforcement Manager Paul Morris, who quickly acted and removed the burnt car. “I again contacted the department


on April 1 informing them that a settee had been dumped at the site behind the garage. Correspondence regarding ongoing issues at this site


has been reported constantly. The garage is privately owned. “In August, I requested a site


visit. I met with Ffion Clarke at the site in September and a search was to be undertaken to identify the owner. I've again been following up this request and still await a response. I am frustrated at the length of time it is taking for this site to be cleared. I would like to know how Public Protection are going to eradicate this continuous anti-social behaviour. “I have reported the problem


again today after receiving a phone call from Mr Lucas with regards to more rubbish being set alight at the site. This is causing constant upset and distress and frustration to the residents living in the area. I fully appreciate their concerns and understand their fear. Hopefully, the Public Protection department will be able to provide an update and reassurance to the residents that something will be done as soon as possible to prevent this from happening again.” Speaking about the ongoing


‘Liable to prosecution’: Yet nine years has passed with no one caught fly-tipping


problem of illegal tipping in the Llwynhendy area, Cllr Davies said: “Dumping of rubbish is a major problem in the area. It's unfortunate that often items are dumped on other peoples land and it is the owner of the land who has to pick up the bill, which is not fair and can be costly. I would urge anyone who owns this garage to ensure that it is secured so that individuals cannot fly tip.” The Herald


contacted


Carmarthenshire County Council to ask if they had been made aware of


the problem and if they were going to take swift action. Cllr Jim Jones said: “Officers


have been out to the site and action will be taken to clear it as soon as possible. “The authority will monitor the area and take the appropriate


Vacant garage: Where the rubbish is dumped and set alight


action to eliminate this blight on the community. Can I ask that any members of the public who witness fly tipping call our contact centre on 01267 234567, where any information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”


Rubbish blighting his surroundings: Stephen wants the council to place surveillance in the area


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