Catch the dump culprits

6:21am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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FRIDGES and sofas are among tons of household waste being dumped in Morecambe - and the culprits are being given no incentive to stop.

That's the opinion of taxi driver Michael Bruce, who is outraged' by the amount of trash dumped in roads in the West End of the resort.

And he says the wrong message is being given to people who dump it.

"Each morning I see the so-called Arson Reduction Van in the West End, picking up bulky items like sofas, mattresses and fridges which have been left in the streets," he says.

"Lancaster City Council should be catching the culprits not clearing up after them. There is no incentive for people to go to the tip and dispose of their rubbish properly."

He acknowledges that it is good that the streets are being kept clean but says more people are now dumping because there is no deterrent.

John Deacon, project director of the West End Partnership, says: "The quick response vehicle was first used in Poulton with great success. It removes rubbish, particularly where it presents a fire hazard. Morecambe has had problems in the past with what are known as nuisance fires' and these cause great inconvenience and expense.

"It is true that, used on its own, this service could encourage people to dump rubbish knowing that it will be picked up - but that is why we jointly fund six PCSOs to carry out enforcement and deter fly-tipping."

Mr Deacon says that the West End Partnership is about to introduce a number of bring sites' where people can take household waste and items for recycling .

* What do you think? Add a comment here or email rachel.ryan@lancaster.newsquest.co.uk