THE number of fly-tipping removals in St Helens this year has been revealed.

The council has described fly-tipping as an “ugly crime”.

But it says in recent months it has seen a “positive reduction” in fly-tipping, but a “larger proportion of continuing incidents” involving large-scale building waste.

It has provided figures showing the number of fly-tipping removals by the council so far this year.

This totalled 175 in January, 222 in February, 188 in March, 142 in April, 177 in May, 174 in June, 147 in July, 97 in August, and 98 in September.

The council says fly-tipping is an “ugly crime” and a “blight on our neighbourhoods and our environment”.

It stretches our resources

A spokesman added: “It stretches our resources and diverts us from the work of improving the overall cleanliness and appearance of the borough.

“In recent months, we’ve seen a positive reduction in fly-tipping, but a larger proportion of continuing incidents involving large-scale building waste.

“There’s simply no excuse for this with trade waste disposal options easily accessible in the borough.

“Residents should also be aware that they bear a duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to engage only with licensed waste carriers when arranging waste disposal.

“The unfortunate result of increasing budget pressures over the last ten years has been a reduction in our combative and reactive capabilities towards fly-tipping. But the number of officers working on fly-tipping differs due to zonal working, and we use additional staff as and when required to meet demand.

“Fly-tipping is illegal. If you witness someone fly-tipping, call the police and report it as a crime in progress.

"Residents can also help by reporting all instances of fly-tipping to us, whether you witnessed the fly-tipping take place or not.

“A planned upgrade of our public reporting system will take place in November, helping us to better capture that data.

"Meanwhile, we are working closely with local landlords to gain a better understanding of the current issues facing them and their tenants.”