Concerns over fly tipping addressed by Merton Council.
By Matt Wiggins
Fly tipping is being tackled by Merton Council to reassure residents it is doing all it can to solve the problem.
Residents around Fieldgate Lane, Taffys How and Pear Tree Close, Mitcham, expressed concerns over the rubbish.
Discarded fridges, burnt-out mattresses and other items are regularly dumped in Fieldgate Lane and the council admitted it was a problem area.
Councillor Andrew Judge said: “We won’t tolerate fly tipping in Merton and we will find and prosecute anyone we find dumping their waste in our borough.”
Taffys How resident, John Hughes, said: “The whole length of Fieldgate Lane is in a disgusting and unkempt condition, when is something positive going to be done to stop this shocking state of affairs?”
Since November the council has offered a free collection every three months to residents with up-to-date council tax and bulky items to discard.
In addition the council offers part funding to residents to install gates to rear alleyways to cut out fly tipping.
In 2009 seven tonnes of rubbish were cleared from the alleyways and wasteland surrounding Fieldgate Lane and all boundary walls were repainted.
A council spokesman urged residents to play their part in a bid to reduce fly tipping.
She said: “Residents can join their local neighbourhood watch and be vigilant. If they witness anyone fly tipping they should report details to us.”
To start a neighbourhood watch group call the council on 02082744901.
