THE increasing amount of rubbish being dumped in the countryside around Swindon has sparked anger.

Alan Wilson, from East Swindon, regularly rides his bike around Liddington and Wanborough. 

He says flytipping is happening at two sites on the Ridgeway. One hotspot is just before Purley Road and the other is a bit further along, heading to Foxhill.

Alan said: “Since lockdown, it has been horrendous with flytipping in different areas.”

The keen cyclist claims he has contacted Swindon Borough Council more than 30 times about the problem. He said although the local authority will clear up the waste, it is a problem that is only getting worse.

He said: “I’m at a loss as to how people can dump it, it’s an absolute disgrace. There are tyres, carpets and mattresses from cars that use the Ridgeway. 

"I dread to think what it’s like across Swindon and what tourists think when they visit.

“Now they have cut the hedges back, it leaves areas exposed. But I’ve seen volunteers going round, which is a credit to them.”

Even though the Household Waste Recycling Centre is open, Alan is concerned the extra step of having to booking a slot because of Covid restrictions means littering has increased elsewhere.

Alan added:“ There are more people at home having a clear-out and if they’re working all week, they may not be able to get an appointment. I’m not saying everyone will but some will dump it.” 

“It’s sad people think they can dump stuff, this is the worst I’ve seen it.”
He added: “The sad part is people know they can get away with it. People think they will not be caught.

“If rising taxes meant more people pick it up and enforcement, I would happily pay it. I understand there has to be cutbacks but all of us have to play our part and take the rubbish home.” 

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “It is shameful that people choose to dump their rubbish in the countryside like this, especially close to an ancient route such as The Ridgeway.

“Only last week we removed fridges and someone also left a burned out car, which is beyond the pale. We will do all we can to trace those responsible so we can prosecute them, if we have enough evidence."

“The booking system at the Household Waste Recycling Centre is working well and we have received lots of positive feedback from those who regularly use it.

“There are always plenty of appointments available for those people who are prepared to plan their visits in advance and, when they get there, residents are faced with a much more pleasant experience with minimal queueing and all within a COVID-secure environment."

“The small minority of people who leave their waste in the countryside choose to do it and do so because the remote location makes it easier for them to get away it.

“But the public can play an important role in the fight against flytippers by being our eyes and ears and reporting any incidents they spot, particularly in remote rural areas.

People can report flytipping incidents at www.swindon.gov.uk/flytipping