On Monday a cross-party group of councillors commenced a series of meetings to consider fly-tipping, litter and related problems on the Isle of Wight.
The Group aims to produce a Report and Action Plan later in the year to ensure that the Isle of Wight Council deals as effectively and efficiently as possible with the problem of Fly-tipping on the Island.
One of lowest fly-tipping rates in SE
Statistics show that the Island actually has one of the lowest rates of fly-tipping activity in the South East of England and that fly-tipping rates on the Island have remained fairly constant for the last few years. The main problem that the Island suffers from, as with many other authorities, is fly-tipping on the highway.
The group considered existing powers, and found that while these generally appear adequate to deal with fly-tipping issues, the procedures that exist need to be simplified and communicated better to members of the public so that when problems arise they can be dealt with more quickly.
Ellis: ‘Bag that Poo – Any Bin Will Do’
Suzie Ellis, Ward Councillor for Central Rural said,
“A particular issue that was considered was the appropriate disposal of dog waste. There is a lot of public concern about dog poo not being disposed of properly, and whilst we would like to thank the many dog owners who currently deal responsibly with dog poo, we would remind residents that dog poo can be disposed of in any general waste bin – including your black bin at home. ‘Bag that Poo – Any Bin Will Do’.
“It is encouraging to see that we are already doing well when it comes to fly-tipping and litter – with improved procedures and better public communication I hope that we can do even better for our Island, we all have a responsibility to care for our environment.”
Bacon: Need a system easier to understand and engage with
Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Heritage and Waste,
“We have a lot of good practice on the Island, but we can still improve the system dealing with fly-tipping on the Island. We need to develop the system so that it is easier to understand and engage with it.
“We also need to work on public education. The ‘Any Bin Will Do’ campaign is a prime example. It is annoying to see general waste bins with dog poo bags placed next to them when they can actually be put into the bin.
“I am looking forward to the Group producing a report that will help deal with these and other issues and help enhance the streets and countryside in our Island Biosphere.”
News shared by Cllr Jonathan Bacon on behalf of himself and and Cllr Suzie Ellis, about the Isle of Wight Council Fly Tipping Task and Finish Group. Ed
