Fly-tipping has been made a priority in Mansfield district in response to an increased number of incidents since lockdown.

Over the past few months, Mansfield District Council has issued 10 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) ranging from £75 to £200.

Although fly-tipping happens across the district, three of the FPNs related to incidents on Broomhill Lane and the surrounding area, which is a target for fly-tippers.

Last week the council’s Street Cleansing team spent nearly two hours clearing two and a half van loads of rubbish, weighing almost a tonne, from Broomhill Lane following a report made by a member of the public. Less than 48 hours later crews were forced to return to the same location to clear dumped mattresses and wood.

Other incidents last week included 250kg of rubbish dumped in a lay-by at Peafield Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse, and household waste, toys and food dumped at the recycling point on Barringer Road, Mansfield.

As well as reports from the public, the council’s Neighbourhood Wardens who conduct regular, proactive patrols across the district also find incidents.

From April to July, the number of fly-tipping incidents increased to 405 from 301 in the same period last year. This has cost the council £23,393 to clear – an increase of £9,576 compared to last year.

Cllr Amanda Fisher, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Wellbeing, said: “No one likes to see fly-tipping, which is an expensive blot on our landscape. Every resident and business has a duty to ensure their waste is disposed of responsibly.

“This council takes the problem of fly-tipping very seriously and we will always take enforcement action wherever possible.”

The largest increase in costs from April to July this year is from clearing a higher number of van-sized loads.

If you are paying for your waste to be taken away, it is your responsibility to check that the person disposing of your waste has a waste carrier’s licence. This can be done on the Environment Agency’s website https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers.

If you don’t check and your waste ends up being dumped, it could be you who ends up with a criminal record for fly-tipping.

Cllr Marion Bradshaw, the councillor for Broomhill ward, said: “I have been reporting incidents of fly-tipping in the Broomhill Lane area over the past 15 months and in each case these have been investigated and cleared by the council.

“It is unacceptable that people travel to this location and tip their waste as it becomes a blight on the area and affects the quality of life of local residents. I welcome the council’s pro-active response in always taking enforcement action wherever possible.”

Residents often call for the use of CCTV cameras to tackle fly-tipping but there is legislation surrounding their use, which must be proportionate and used in conjunction with other investigation methods. Although the council does use cameras in the fight against fly-tipping, they are not suitable for every location and situation.

People can dispose of their unwanted items responsibly by booking a bulky waste collection on 01623 463463. Fly-tipping and littering can be reported online at www.mansfield.gov.uk/flytipping.