A DISGUSTED park-goer has shared a shocking picture of fly-tipping that he discovered in a park on Sunday.

Star reader Chris Shaw came across the dumped waste in Sherdley Park.

Chris, a regular visitor to the park and photographic contributor to the Star, said: “The local tip is not far away - words fail me.”

The waste was at the side of one of the park's main approaches.

In May, St Helens Council issued a statement after confirming dealing with fly-tipping had cost it approximately £570,000 over the past two years.

A spokesperson said: “Tackling the problem of fly tipping remains a high priority for the council.

“We have a dedicated team that tackles and removes fly-tipping across the borough and we aim to remove any reported fly tipping within ten working days.”

The council describes fly-tipping, or illegal dumping of waste as “an unsightly blight on our local community that causes harm to the environment and can be costly to clear away”.

The law applies to everyone involved in handling the waste from the person who produces it to the person who finally disposes of or recovers it.

People who ask someone to dispose of waste for them are advised to check if someone has a waste carrier's licence online and to ask them to provide a waste transfer note or a receipt when it is collected.

There are several ways people can responsibly dispose of household waste, including:

  • Using the council’s bulky waste collection
  • Taking waste to a household waste and recycling centre.
  • Use kerbside collection services

How to report a fly-tipper 

Have you seen a fly-tip or someone fly-tipping in St Helens? 

Dumping waste anywhere, such as in a field, an alleyway, a street corner or a lay by is against the law Let the council know by by calling 01744 676789. Sending information and evidence helps the council to find and prosecute those responsible.