Free skips rolled out across Middleton estate in bid to cut down on fly-tipping

Free skips are being rolled out across a Middleton estate in a bid to prevent fly-tipping in the area.

They will be available to people in Langley over the next six weeks as part of an initiative from Riverside Housing.

The housing association says it wants to give a ‘helping hand’ to residents who want to have a ‘clear-out’ – particularly those who found it difficult to get to the tip during lockdown.

It is hoped the skips will prove a ‘welcome addition’ for people looking to get rid of unwanted or broken household items.

Christopher Cullerton, Riverside’s housing officer for the area, said the skips had already begun to make a difference – with people finding it easier to keep their homes tidy.

“The first set of skips arrived during the first week after restrictions were lifted, and will continue to provide them over the course of this month across Langley to help residents clear out any accumulated rubbish,” he said.

“Residents are really chuffed and appreciate the help we are providing them, and each time skips are being filled to the top.

"Due to a great response and demand from residents we are exploring the possibility of joint funding with the council to do this again.”

One resident, who asked not to be named, says it has been a real boon.

They said: “I only moved to the area last year, and as a new tenant I have just finished getting my home as I would like it.

“The skip day was a great help in clearing out items I no longer had a need for, and some garden cuttings.”

The scheme is supported by Councillor Phil Burke, who has hailed it as ‘a great initiative’.

The West Middleton councillor added: “It helps the lower income families on the estate to get rid of household rubbish and it’s really gone down well on the estate.

“To do it over a six-week pilot shows Riverside are committed to fly-tipping across the whole estate.”

Coun Burke has also welcomed the council’s recent commitment to introduce free bulky waste collections from next year, as a further measure to deter fly-tipping.

“I hope residents not just in Langley, but the whole of Middleton jump on board with this and use the services that are there,” he said.

More information on waste and recycling facilities across the borough of Rochdale can be found here

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