CCTV needed to stem fly-tipping tide in West Watford says embattled councillor

Cllr Mo Mills says the corner of Chester Road is constantly being targeted by fly-tippers, who seemingly dump everything from household waste to larger items at the easily accessible point without fear of reprisal.   

And the abhorrent practice has been occurring more frequently in recent weeks as perpetrators escape unpunished, with the most recent pile of rubbish including mattresses, bags of shoes, a sink and even boxes of rotting onions and peaches.

“The neighbours are fed up of it - it happens every single weekend and sometimes in the week as well,” said Cllr Mills.

“We are used to it now but we shouldn’t be getting used to it – we should be stopping it but I feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall. It’s not stopping.”

Cllr Mills has asked Watford Borough Council to install CCTV to deter the criminals but says her pleas have so far been ignored.

Cllr Karen Collett, the council's portfolio holder for community, responded: "We are aware that residents in the local area are dumping around litter bins and officers have been monitoring the area for some weeks.

"Two residents are being formally interviewed this week for offences and a targeted information, education and then enforcement campaign is planned in the area.

"Only last week a message was sent directly to the 27 per cent of the Watford population signed up to the Online Watch Link (OWL) system highlighting to them the legal and illegal ways to dispose of your waste.

"I appreciate Cllr Mills concerns and can reassure her that action is always taken where possible and several successful prosecutions and fixed penalty notices issued for similar offences demonstrates this.

"CCTV can be helpful, in particular where vehicles are being used for dumping  - this is however not the situation in this area as Cllr Mills has been informed.

"Any residents who can help identify the culprits are encouraged to call Phil White, the Senior Envirocrime officer on 01923 278241”