A Womble who, with her friend, has spent hours trying to tidy up a fly-tipping hot spot just outside Spalding is calling for more to be done to combat the littering.
Rachael Wright and her friend Jane Peacock say they’ve spent a total of six hours clearing up mess in the lay-by on South Drove.
But every time they’ve done it as part of the Wombles of Spalding Common initiative, frequently more big dumps appear.
“I live nearby in Horseshoe Road and every time you go past and see the rubbish left there it always annoys me,” Rachael said. “Myself and Jane decided to go down and clear up as much as we could ourselves and I didn’t expect to be down there for long.
“But there’s so much there it took hours, then you go past a few days later and there’s more things been left there.
“We’ve spoken to people who live near there and it must be horrible as they can’t do anything to stop it.
“Something needs to be done there because it’s ideal for flytippers being out of the way and there’s the gravel to park on.”
As reported in last week’s The Voice, South Holland District Council is looking at putting up hidden cameras to catch people illegally dumping waste in the area after increases over the last few months.
A South Holland District Council spokesman said: “Fly-tipping is a blight on our towns, villages and countryside, poses a danger to drivers and wildlife and wastes vital resources and tax-payer’s money.
“As a council we will always do everything we can to stop this crime taking place and to catch those responsible and punish them accordingly.
“As part of this process there are many different approaches and tools we could explore, and the use of cameras is just one of those options available to us, with considerations around the quality, security and legislation around their usage, especially in more rural areas. Options are currently being explored, and more information will be shared when it is available.”
Inspired by her fellow Wombles, Rachael’s also cleaned up elsewhere including in Moulton Chapel.
“The Wombles are doing a fantastic job,” she said. “Everywhere you go in Spalding you notice how clean it is now and it is thanks to them.
Meanwhile Coun Eddy Poll, executive member for waste at Lincolnshire County Council outlined that Spalding tip remains open.
“There are currently 300 slots available at Spalding Household Waste Recycling Centre each day,” he said. “Over the last ten weeks, an average of 175 residents used it per day, so there are plenty of timeslots available but week-end slots are the most sought after.
“Residents simply need to visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/clickandtip to find a time which is suitable for them. We are committed to working with our district council colleagues to catch those responsible for flytipping.”
For more information and to book a slot click here.
