Fly tipping is at dangerous level

SDLP Cllr Declan McAlinden said waste piled perilously close to oil tanks near people’s homes is “an extremely dangerous act”.

And he pleaded with landlords to take more responsibility for tenants actions.

He was speaking out after a number of people had contacted him about rubbish being dumped in the Victoria Street, Woodville Street and Princess Street areas.

He said residents who continue to dump rubbish at the back of their homes have no consideration for their neighbours.

“This is an on-going problem and I urge landlords to take more responsibility for their tenant’s actions,” said the SDLP Councillor.

“I have repeatedly been in contact with Environmental Health Officers to help resolve this problem particularly where rubbish has been built up at the backdoor of properties close by oil tanks.

“This is an extremely dangerous act and in the event of a fire I dread to think of the consequences.

“I would like to thank the Craigavon Council staff and the patience of the residents in resolving this huge problem,” he said.

“If anyone observes people dumping I urge them to report it to the relevant authorities. And I ask the authorities to impose heavier fines on the offenders,” said Cllr McAlinden.

“In the long term Craigavon Council are unable to continue to clear the rubbish as they are not responsible for private properties.”

A spokesperson for Craigavon Borough Council said: “We can confirm that council is working with residents in the Victoria Street and surrounding area regarding fly tipping which has included mattresses and large items of furniture such as sofas as well as rubbish bags being dumped.

“As this area is private property, clearing of these items would be the responsibility of the landowners. However in this instance and following a site visit we are supplying council skips for the residents to clear the material.

“Environmental Health has also written to residents in the area asking for their co-operation and help in placing rubbish in the appropriate bins and where to bring excess rubbish to. A little effort by each property owner will make a substantial difference to the area.”