Spalding is being blighted by an increasing amount of rubbish and buildings falling into disrepair, according to a longtime resident.
Paul Matten (69) says his efforts to get the town tidied up and to have more waste bins to sited in his neighbourhood have so far fallen on deaf ears. And he claims the problem of unsightly mounds of black and green bags of waste being left out on pavements would be resolved with the use of wheelie bins.
Mr Matten was driven to his latest call for action after a trip to a butcher in Winsover Road on Wednesday (December 16).
He said: “Having parked, we were faced with negotiating a heap of detritus, dumped on the footpath, and then on returning home, found another dump at Grosvenor Court.
“SHDC do not seem to be able to get a grip on the problem, probably exacerbated by the use of black and green sacks instead of a sensible bin method of collecting rubbish. This does lead to people putting sacks of rubbish out on the street when they are full, rather than putting them out on the collecting day.”
Mr Matten said: “Another major issue with SHDC is the apparent lack of will to tidy up derelict buildings and properties within the Spalding area.”
He includes the old sorting office in The Crescent and several empty shop premises in Winsover Road among a list of properties which require attention.
Crackpool Lane (off Broad Street) needs tidying, according to Mr Matten, and Draper’s Place (between Market Place and The Crescent) comes under fire too.
“What a total mess. Broken walls, derelict car parking areas, rubbish – you name it, it is there.”
He added: “The amount of rubbish left on the streets is amazing!
“I have been trying for years to get South Holland District Council, local councillors, MPs and the like to make an effort to get the town tidied up, so that we can enjoy a pleasant, rural town.
“I live in a lovely house on Green Lane, but we are blighted by inconsiderate late night revellers, returning to the huge estate leading off the end of Green Lane, dumping their takeaway rubbish from the town centre onto our driveway and frontage.”
He added: “I have asked SHDC to provide some rubbish bins along Green Lane, but so far no response.”
Mr Matten believes the situation might improve if Spalding were to have a town council looking after its interests, rather than the district council and its large coverage area.
A council spokesman said: “We can confirm that the black bags on Bourne Road were removed as part of the scheduled Thursday refuse collection as was the wooden table.”
We are aware that Grosvenor Court is an area subject to fly tipping. The area is monitored and items that appear there are checked for evidence of their origin before removal. If evidence is found in a fly tip or information is received as to who may have dumped items, then appropriate action is taken.“The council is able to issue fixed penalty notices for incorrect presentation of refuse/recycling and for littering. A total of 23 fixed penalty notices have been issued for these offences this year to date.
“With regards to fly-tipping, even if a culprit is identified, SHDC cannot fine them. The only course of action that can be taken for fly-tipping offences is through the courts. There is no legislation available for a local authority to fine fly-tippers.
“We would urge anyone who spots fly-tipping in the district to report to us by calling 01775 761161 or visiting www.sholland.gov.uk.”
