REDUCED recycling centre opening times are leading to fly-tipping – on the tip’s own car park!

A concerned local resident has sent the News images of rubbish being dumped on the car park of Stourbridge Household Waste Recycling Centre on the A458 Birmingham Street just outside the town centre.

And she believes the lack of evening opening times is the reason for the frequent fly-tipping.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The car park to the left of the entrance is being used to dump waste after annoyed people get there with a boot full of rubbish, only to find the tip no longer has late night summer opening times.

“I have advised Dudley Council of the fly-tipping and the fact there is more and more waste dumped every day, including dirty nappies and food waste.

“The reason why people are able to fly-tip is because King Edward College staff parking is on the bottom car park to the right – although the tip is closed, the barrier remains open for the King Eds staff to leave.”

She added that the rubbish was still building up, several days after she had reported it.

Dudley Council have condemned the fly-tippers and insist the recycling centre’s opening hours are more than sufficient.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “Fly-tipping is illegal and people who dump rubbish not only blight our borough, but leave tax-payers footing the bill.

“Unfortunately whatever facilities we provide, whether waste and recycling collections from people’s homes or the household waste recycling centre, a small number of people continue to flout the law with this anti-social behaviour.

“The new operating times bring us more in line with sites operated by neighbouring authorities, which has helped minimise visits from outside the borough.

“We would remind residents the site is still open seven days a week, 362 days a year from 8am to 4pm and, during the summer months, until 6pm every Thursday.

“We work hard to make sure fly-tippers are caught and prosecuted but also rely on people being our eyes and ears and reporting issues to us.

“Anyone can report problems to us online at www.dudley.gov.uk, via social media or by using our Dudley Council smartphone app.”

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates' Court.

The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to five years’ imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court. There are also a number of other possible penalties, including fixed penalty notices and having a vehicle seized.