Call for fly-tippers to be named and shamed

An online scheme to name and shame convicted fly-tippers could be introduced in Peterborough.

At a meeting on Wednesday, members of Peterborough City Council will discuss a motion calling for the authority to create a dedicated webpage highlighting the scale of the issue.

Independent councillor Mark Ormston said fly-tipping continued to be "a severe blight on Peterborough's communities, draining public resources, damaging our environment, and causing immense frustration to our residents".

He is proposing a page on the council's website that would give people information on reported incidents, clearance rates, removal times and ongoing investigations.

According to Ormston's motion, the page would include ward-by-ward data and guidance on fly-tipping cases that fall outside the council's responsibility.

A name-and-shame section would publish the details of individuals and rogue waste disposal businesses convicted of fly-tipping offences in an effort to deter others.

In 2023-24, Peterborough recorded the highest number of fly-tipping incidents per head in the East of England, with 10,128 cases reported.

Ormston said the scale of the problem was "massive" in his ward, which covers Eye, Thorney and Newborough.

"We see commercial fly-tipping – household clearances, building works, garden waste – on a huge scale," he said. "It is a selfish, dangerous and vile crime."

He added: "I believe that arming residents with information through this centralised hub, complete with transparency, especially around investigations, convictions and naming and shaming, will be a powerful deterrent."

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