This is what's happening with flytipping near multi-million pound Preston flood defences
Action is finally being taken on flytipping near Preston’s new £54m flood defence works.
People living in the Broadgate area say they have been complaining about the issue close to Penwortham Old Bridge for months, being “passed from pillar to post” between Preston City Council and the Environment Agency.
One woman, who didn’t want to be named, told the Post: “People have been reporting it for months and getting nowhere. The council says it’s on riverbank so it’s Environment Agency and EA say contact the local council.
“It makes me feel that no one cares about the environment. Someone commented that it’s a place where homeless people shelter, but I wonder if a homeless person would leave a suitcase and boxes of trainers? So that’s why I think it’s someone who’s just dumped stuff.
“There’s so much wildlife on the river these days and even otters have recently been spotted. We should be proud of our countryside and not just see it as a dustbin!”
Specialist needed
After being contacted by the Post, a Preston City Council spokesperson confirmed the waste was their responsibility. They said: “As the waste being positioned on a steep embankment close to the water’s edge, there is no safe method of removal using the Council’s in‑house crews or standard equipment.
“To ensure the work can be carried out safely, the Council will commission a specialist contractor with suitable access equipment and the necessary risk controls. Arrangements have already begun so that waste can be safely removed.”
The Post understands that flytipping is usually only an EA issue if it’s causing a flood risk.
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