A crackdown has been announced on fly-tipping this week by Wokingham Borough Council with a fine of £400 being issued for those caught in the act.With fly-tipping reaching a record level in Bracknell Forest last year, the council are hoping to reduce levels this Christmas with the help of CCTV and warning signage in the hotspots throughout the borough.

Executive member for neighbourhood and communities Cllr Bill Soane said, “We have a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and inspect all incidents for evidence. Christmas will not prevent us clamping down on those responsible and with the increased 24/7 CCTV surveillance, which is moved regularly around the borough.

“We are reminding potential fly-tippers that we are watching you. We are committed to keeping the borough clean and green and with your help, we can catch those responsible for dumping waste.”

Despite this assurance of a zero-tolerance approach, no fines resulting from court convictions were issued in the area last year – and none were issued in 2019/20.

The signage has been warning lawbreakers that ‘Santa is watching’.

Bracknell News:

Bracknell Forest’s numbers came in at 5.1 fly-tipping incidents per 1,000 people last year. Although this is well below the average for England, councils are being asked to pay for the removal of illegal dumping throughout the countryside.

A recent incident of household waste was classed as large enough to fill a tip lorry and cost the council £350 to dispose of.

A ‘man in van’ service has been popular when disposing of rubbish in the community, therefore residents have been warned to check their waste carriers licence before using any external waste collecting service. This can be done by contacting the ‘Environment Agency’.

Councillor Soane reminds residents that the Re3 recycling centres will be open before the Christmas break and after the new year for residents wishing to dispose of their waste responsibly.