Over 2,000 fly-tipping incidents in Oldham last year

Between 2019 and 2020, there were 1129 back alleyway incidents, 373 highway incidents, 298 footpath/bridleway incidents and 106 council land incidents in the borough, according to the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs.

In January, The Oldham Times launched a campaign, along with our new daily edition, in a bid to stamp out fly-tipping across the borough.

The campaign has gained widespread support among readers, as well as the town’s council leader, the mayor and its three local MPs.

Earlier this month, the Ashton Moss Nature Reserve, a favourite among dog walkers and families, was repeatedly targeted by fly-tippers, with three incidents in one week alone.

The rubbish and cannabis plants dumped at Ashton Moss Nature Reserve

Dozens of cannabis plants with the main foliage stripped were left rotting at the site on two separate occasions.

A mountain of rubbish, which included an electric heater, suitcases, bricks and empty drawers, was also dumped overnight.

In January, the Oldham council confirmed it was investigating the possibility of closing a section of Rose Hey Lane in Failsworth, to combat fly-tipping.

Failsworth West councillor and council leader, Sean Fielding, said: “When passing (the lane) I’ve seen multiple instances of dumping including huge quantities of tyres, car bumpers, coat hangers and other goods which suggest the tipping here is a commercial operation for those who are doing it.”

Labour councillors in Failsworth have also set up the Big Failsworth Clean Up to help rid their streets of litter.

Ashton and Failsworth MP and Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner, said fly tipping was “particularly pertinent at Daisy Nook.” The area of natural beauty is reportedly strewn with rubbish on a regular basis.

Ms Rayner added: “Residents tell me the council are usually quick to clear the debris but it's never long before more rubbish appears. It's extremely disheartening.”

On November 18 last year, Cowling Road in Chadderton was blocked by a staggering 17 tons of rubbish that had been fly-tipped overnight. The council stated that it cost of £2,600 to get rid of the illegally dumped pile-up.

The 17 tons of rubbish that had been fly-tipped overnight

Last summer, Oldham resident and fly tipping campaigner, Lynda Naylor, took photos of fly-tipping incidents in an attempt to document the extent of the problem.

Her photos from June and July show old mattresses, armchairs, carpets, piping and fridges dumped around the town.

Abandoned car wrecks along an alley behind people’s home were also pictured, as well as an old pram, wheelbarrow, and heaps of scrap wood.

An image taken in Oldham last July by campaigner, Lynda Naylor

Broken discarded fence panels, as well as piles of overflowing bin bags and food waste carriers are also shown in the images.

Just last month, Ms Naylor’s home and car were pelted with eggs and her front door lock super glued by thugs.

The 64-year-old retired NHS administration worker said she believed she had caused a stir by emailing council chiefs over numerous grot spots in the town and sending pictures.

She told The Oldham Times: "It doesn't matter what they do, I won't shut up and go away.

"The fly-tipping and litter problem in Oldham is getting worse, regardless of how many prosecutions are bought by the council."

A council spokesman said: “There’s no excuse for fly-tipping. It’s a blight on the borough and clearing it up costs every council taxpayer.

“Our teams, despite having to work in difficult conditions due to the Coronavirus, are doing their bit to keep the borough clean. Unfortunately, a few selfish individuals continue to dump waste at a time when everyone should be pulling together.

“Our officers investigate all incidents reported to us and if we find evidence linking it to anyone, we’ll take action.

“If you pay someone to take away your waste check they have a waste carriers licence. If they don’t and the rubbish is later found dumped then you could be the one in trouble.”

There are £400 on-the-spot fines for anyone caught fly-tipping, the maximum fixed penalty notice allowed in law.

Residents can report incidences of fly-tipping at www.oldham.gov.uk/flytipping.