A sprawling fly-tip that caused misery for “years” has finally been cleared up following interventions by the council, police and politicians.

The mess, in Welldon Crescent, Harrow, resulted in several complaints from neighbouring properties and passers-by.

Located by a row of garages, the site was blighted by irresponsibly discarded waste, including furniture, shopping trollies and clothes, with some residents reporting evidence of rats.

Yesterday (February 10), Greenhill Police confirmed the area was being “cleared and secured”.

“We won’t miss this horrendous fly-tip and we bet the neighbours won’t either,” they posted on social media.

Harrow Council explained the rubbish build-up was on private land and, in October, a notice was served to the responsible party – who was living overseas – ordering them to clear it up.

At the time, a spokesman for Harrow Council said: “This is a result of the landowners not taking responsibility or maintaining their land.

“No one should have to put up with this sort of behaviour, and nor should the taxpayer clear up their mess.”

He confirmed the relevant parties had agreed to deal with the issue and it would continue to monitor the situation.

Watford Observer:

The state of the fly-tip in Welldon Crescent

The situation was criticised by Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas, who described the fly-tip as a “shocker” and called on council officers to discuss a plan of action.

He praised the council and police for their efforts in helping to remove the mess and welcomed the “beginning of the end of a nightmare for local people”.

“Residents have had a horrendous experience and the owner of the land didn’t act as a good neighbour should,” he said.

“Thanks to Harrow Council for tracking down the overseas owner and getting the site cleared and gated.”