Widespread fly-tipping causing alarm in Walsoken with unsightly rubbish damaging the village’s beauty

A parish council fears a village’s beauty is being “eroded away by anti-social, contemptuous fly-tipping”.

Walsoken Parish Council has had enough of people dumping rubbish, including tyres, car parts and both domestic and building waste, throughout the village.

A Walsoken Parish Council statement said: “Walsoken might lack amenities or a distinct village identity but, undeniably, our residents benefit greatly from their proximity to open spaces and orchards - we owe a vote of thanks to the local landowners who allow us access to these.

“The sheer natural beauty of our surroundings demands acknowledgement, even if it’s not always appreciated.

“Unfortunately, increasingly, that beauty is being eroded by anti-social, contemptuous fly-tipping, with the constant dumping of all manner of unsightly and unpleasant rubbish throughout the village.

“At any time, on any day, a cursory check is likely to reveal tyres, car parts, whole cars even, white goods and domestic and building waste.

“The impact of paint and other toxic chemicals in our water system is appalling and, literally, criminal.

“This is a regional and, even, national problem; it’s not unique to Walsoken but Walsoken is unique to us and all our residents can play a part in dealing with it.”

Fly-tipping is illegal and carries a maximum penalty of up to £50,000.

Residents are urged to report any fly-tipping they see in progress. They should record what they can - the location, the time and date, the type of waste, the people involved and their transport type/colour/licence plate – then forward those details to police and the parish council.

For substantial fly-tipping that has already been carried out, contact the Environment Agency’s free-phone 24-hour hotline 0800 807060.