Fly-tipping in the Berkley Marsh area of Frome is being combatted by a scheme that has seen more than £50,000 saved following the decision to introduce temporary road closures in the area.
The road closures at Berkley Lane, from the north side of the Pines Residential Site to its junction with Dark Lane (Dark Lane is not affected) have been in place since April 2016. The roads were closed to all vehicular access but allowed access to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
In view of the overwhelming success of the road closures in tackling fly-tipping and an extremely positive response locally following consultation, Mendip District Council’s cabinet made a decision in November to put a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in place for three months using a concrete barrier solution.
The PSPO will come to an end on 13th February and due to the success achieved in combating fly-tipping in the area, Mendip District Council is considering options to maintain the road restrictions in the area, including barriers, gate, bollards, ramps or retaining the concrete barriers currently being used.
A final decision will be made at a meeting of Mendip District Council’s cabinet on 12th February. In order to make that decision, the council is considering a number of options and are continuing to consult with the public, landowners and the emergency services.
Cllr Nigel Taylor, portfolio holder for neighbourhood and community health services said, “Fly-tipping costs the council and ultimately the taxpayers, thousands of pounds each year as we are left to deal with the clear-up process.
“We have seen positive results in the Frome area following the temporary closure and the recent Public Spaces Protection Order, the feedback from local residents has also been very supportive of the measure the council has taken.
“I would encourage people to contact our enforcement team during the consultation so that we can ensure that all views are considered before any further decisions are made in the New Year.”
Anyone wishing to make comments on the recent closures and future options can email neighbourhoodservices @mendip.gov.uk or send correspondence to, Enforcement Officer, Mendip District Council, Neighbourhood Services, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT.
The council will also be holding an open consultation session on the proposals at Frome Rugby Club on Tuesday 9th January between 6.15pm and 9pm.
During the closures, Mendip District Council assured access for any landowners or statutory undertaker, requiring vehicular access. Only one request was made during the recent closure, which the council fully cooperated with.
The public can play a key role in helping the council catch the fly-tippers. To contact the council to report fly-tipping call 0300 303 8588 or report directly online – www.mendip.gov.uk/streetclean?formid=10982
You can also contact Crimestoppers to make an anonymous report of the fly-tipping you have witnessed. Call 0800 555111 or go to https://crimestoppers-uk.org
