Anger at fly-tipping on land near Wigan canal

Unhappy residents and the council have hit out at the selfish individuals responsible for dumping waste.
Fly-tipped rubbish in Higher InceFly-tipped rubbish in Higher Ince
Fly-tipped rubbish in Higher Ince

Rubbish has been repeatedly left on land behind the houses on Rathen Avenue in Higher Ince.

Local reports and photos snapped by fed-up neighbours show a number of household items accumulating at the site.

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One resident said a toilet had even been dumped in the stretch of greenery next to the canal at one point.

The resident said: “There has been fly-tipping going on at this spot for years. I have reported this to the council twice.

“Sometimes there is food there too, which is dangerous for dogs and attracts rats.”

Wigan Council said it was disappointing that residents continue to blight open spots in the borough through fly-tipping and acknowledged the effect it has on the environment.

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The local authority encouraged people to do their part by disposing of their rubbish correctly and reducing the risk of it being fly-tipped.

The town hall also reminded Wiganers upset at waste left in their local area how they can report it to get it cleaned up.

A council spokesperson said: “We know how much our residents love our town and its natural environment that’s why it’s sad to see illegal fly-tips like this which spoil it for everyone else and it’s removal comes at the cost to the Wigan borough taxpayer.

“Do not be tempted to use people online who offer to take your rubbish for you and have no waste carriers licence – anyone found to do so will also be culpable. Residents should only give their waste to a registered waste carrier.

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“We would ask residents check that a waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency’s website. We encourage residents to be our eyes and ears in the fight against fly-tipping so anyone with any information is asked to contact us in confidence via the Report It app.”

Meanwhile, volunteers from the Canal and River Trust have been dredging the Leeds and Liverpool Canal for metal waste.

Rusting shopping trolleys, bicycles and all other types of scrap have been hauled onto the towpath between Wigan Pier and the DW Stadium for collection and scrapping.

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