ISLANDERS are being urged to report fly-tipping incidents – and those doing it – after a heap of rubbish was dumped in the St Peter’s Valley area.
Constable Richard Vibert and environmental protection officer Richard Runacres have asked the public to document similar activity after the waste, which included an old toilet, was left in the valley on the border between St Peter and St Lawrence.
The number of reported fly-tipping incidents has almost doubled compared to last year.
Mr Vibert said that the area, and its surrounding lanes, was ‘a bit of a hot-spot’ for fly-tipping but that it was ‘very difficult to combat’.
‘It is something that plagues us and we have to send out parish employees to sort it out – I can’t understand it because we do have all the facilities that are needed,’ he said.
‘The annoying thing is that the people who do this know when and where to go.
‘We are always pleased to hear from anyone who may have details [about fly-tippers],’ he added.
Mr Runacres said the number of reported incidents had increased from 156 last year to 303 so far this year, but explained this was mostly due to the fact his team was ‘actively looking for them’.
‘It’s disappointing that people choose to dump their rubbish in an island as beautiful as Jersey when we do have the facilities to dispose of it properly and safely,’ he said.
‘Depending on what the waste is it can be washed down a stream, or you might have wildlife pecking at it,’ he added.
Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and can result in substantial fines.
In 2019, one offender was fined £1,000 for dumping a broken chainsaw engine and wheelbarrow over the headland at Sorel Point in St John, while another was fined £500 after dumping two bags of household waste at the side of the bins at the recycling centre in St Lawrence.
‘If you do see someone doing it, a registration number, or a description of the vehicle and the people involved – that is almost gold dust to us,’ Mr Runacres added.
Islander Brian McKenzie came across the rubbish in St Peter’s Valley while out walking his dog.
‘It’s disgusting for somebody to just leave all of this here – I’m not quite sure what to make of it,’ he said.
‘It’s a shame that there are people who think it’s acceptable to use the valley as their own personal dump.’
– Islanders can report fly-tipping by calling 01534 441600 or by using the Love Jersey app on their smartphones.
