Workmen clean up after travellers in Mumps

Rubbish left by travellers on the former B&Q car park being removed by the council.

AN expensive clean-up operation has been mounted at B&Q’s closed-down Mumps branch after travellers left piles of rubbish in their wake.

The unwanted visitors took up residence on the car park in mid-January, and dumped tons of rubbish before they were moved on.

Contractors cleared the site on Friday, shifting debris which included huge slabs of tarmac and concrete, soil and shrubs.

A spokesman for B&Q said the company had worked with bailiffs and police to move the travellers from the premises, adding: “Baliffs’ costs were covered by B&Q.”

The cost to Oldham’s taxpayers of clearing up after travellers who leave similar messes on public sites runs into thousands of pounds every year.

Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure Councillor Mark Alcock said: “The council does not hold specific information on the cost relating to travellers sites, however the removal of fly tipping as a whole across all council departments and First Choice Homes Oldham costs in the region of £1 million a year.

“This is money that could be far better spent elsewhere and the council looks to everyone in Oldham to help deal with this.

“If you spot any fly tipping anywhere in Oldham I would urge you to please call 0161 770 6644 to report it.”

People with a digital camera or camera phone can send a picture with details of the location to the council by logging on to www.tidyoldham.co.uk