Council teams address fly-tipping through neighbourhood action days across Stockport

Stockport Council teams have carried out more than six months of targeted enforcement activity to address littering, fly-tipping and environmental offences across Stockport.

Neighbourhood action days began in Spring, and have seen specialist teams carry out coordinated enforcement operations in Heald Green, Hollywood Park, Offerton, Stepping Hill, Reddish, Stockport town centre and Cheadle, targeting areas where residents have reported persistent environmental issues.

Since the launch of these dedicated neighbourhood action days, the work has resulted in 18 community protection notice warnings, 19 fly-tips removed, 29 businesses checked for waste carrier licences and two pieces of intelligence gathered to support enforcement investigations. Alongside enforcement activity, teams worked with residents and businesses to improve local environments and address issues raised by the community.

And as Keep Britain Tidy’s Fly-Tipping Fortnight, begins, October 12, the team effort has seen Council Environmental Regulation, Recycling and Street Care officers working alongside Stockport Homes Group colleagues, managers and senior leadership, tackling known hotspot areas. Teams carried out litter picking in alleyways, removed graffiti, parking enforcement, balsam bashing and gathered evidence to support enforcement on business waste licences.

Fly-tipping remains a significant challenge for the borough, with 4,978 reports recorded across Stockport last year, reflecting national trends.

Council teams are targeting known problem locations and gathering evidence against those responsible. While cases can be complex due to the difficulty in gathering evidence, the Council continues to take a firm and proactive approach through enforcement, education and partnership working, including joint operations with Greater Manchester Police.

Businesses were also reminded of their legal duty to ensure they have appropriate commercial waste arrangements in place. Those found to be operating without the correct arrangements can face fines of up to £550.

Cllr Dan Oliver, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, said:

“People who litter or dump waste illegally should know that we are actively targeting hotspot locations across our borough, gathering evidence and taking enforcement action where appropriate.

“Over the last six months we’ve brought together teams from across the council and partners to improve our neighbourhoods, support residents and tackle environmental crime.

“The message is simple: everyone has a role to play in keeping Stockport clean and those who don’t take responsibility can expect action to be taken.”