The menace of fly-tipping - parts of Hathershaw compared to 'slums'

Residents in Hathershaw are becoming increasingly frustrated and angered as the huge problem of fly-tipping continues to blight the neighbourhood.

Rubbish has been tipped mercilessly recently in and around Alton Street, Marion Street and Denbigh Street in particular recently, and a former New Deal for Communities vice-chairman is almost at the end of his tether.

Oldhamer of more than 50 years Mark Birchall, now an administrator on the ‘Flytipping Oldham’ Facebook page, is furious with the council, and has accused them of disregarding the issue over the past seven years.

Mr Birchall said: “I speak to local residents all the time, and they’re bereft with it all.

“This has been going on for too long, and proper action needs to be taken.

“There’s been some re-active action over the years, but right now there is nothing pro-active happening – and all this just a quarter of a mile from the big Northern Roots plans for the town centre. There are gardens piled full of rubbish, and some of the alleyways are like slums.

“I’ve challenged councillors and council leaders in the past on this issue, but we’re no further forward.

“There’s no interest, no idea, and no drive or passion to help the residents.

“This area has been abandoned.

“Being poor does not warrant this behaviour week after week, so the law-abiding residents need more to be done.”

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture at Oldham Council, told the Chronicle: “Over the last couple of years, we have invested significantly to employ more staff to help tackle this issue and our officers work around the clock to ensure the tidiness of our borough.

“Sadly however, a few selfish individuals continue to their dump waste and this careless act is a blight on the borough which is costing ever single council taxpayer to clear up.

“No resident should have to put up with this illegal activity in their area and we would encourage anyone who witnesses incidents of flytipping to come forward.

“As ever, our officers will investigate all incidents that have been reported and if we find evidence linking it to anyone, we’ll take action.”

Residents can report fly-tipping to Oldham Council online at https://www.oldham.gov.uk/flytipping

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