There has been growing frustration among residents of Sudmeadow Road in Gloucester over the repeated dumping of rubbish, with local authorities promising fines for those responsible.
Roger Critchley, a Hempsted resident, reported fly-tipping on the street earlier this month. Having supplied the council with names and addresses of those he believes to be responsible, Mr Critchley has expressed dissatisfaction with what he regards as limited progress in addressing the problem.
Gloucester City Council has confirmed to Gloucestershire Live that it is pursuing legal action against those responsible. The council has also apologised to Mr Critchley for delays in removing the waste, which has been found to include hazardous materials such as asbestos.
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Mr Critchley explained, “The incident was reported to the council within the last two weeks along with the details of those involved. I provided all requested information, including the name of the person who dumped the rubbish. However, I have seen no practical action taken so far. I have spoken with Cllr Rebecca Trimnell, who has done her best to expedite removal, but I have not received any response from the council. I plan to bring this matter to management’s attention and meet with council leader Jeremy Hilton, as this situation is unacceptable.”
A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council stated, “We apologise to Mr Critchley for the delay in clearing the waste. Our team initially attended the site, but due to the discovery of material suspected to contain asbestos, safe removal requires licenced specialist contractors. After confirmation of asbestos presence, such a contractor has now been appointed, and arrangements are in place to remove the waste promptly.
“Evidence found within the dumped rubbish is enabling our officers to identify those responsible, and enforcement action will be taken in the form of fines. We have communicated directly with Mr Critchley to clarify the reasons for the delay.”
The council also noted that further fly-tipping has occurred at the same location recently. Investigations are ongoing to identify the culprits and pursue appropriate legal action.
The spokesperson added, “We urge anyone who discovers suspected fly-tipping to leave the waste undisturbed and report it through our online service: Report fly-tipping. Members of the public should avoid searching through dumped materials, as these can be hazardous and disturbing them may compromise evidence crucial to enforcement.”
“Gloucester City Council treats fly-tipping very seriously and will not tolerate environmental crime. Notably, an individual is due to be sentenced soon following a successful investigation into five separate fly-tipping offences, demonstrating our commitment to protecting communities and holding offenders accountable.”
Local councillor Rebecca Trimnell (Liberal Democrat, Westgate), who represents the area, has appealed directly to those responsible to stop the illegal dumping and respect local residents.
“Sudmeadow Road is home to many people and should be a safe, clean, and welcoming street-not a dumping ground,” she said.
“This ongoing illegal dumping is not only unsightly but encourages vermin, creates unpleasant smells, harms the local environment, and leaves residents feeling neglected.
“While it is unfortunate that these incidents coincided with a three-month closure of the Hempsted recycling centre for improvement works, fly-tipping has occurred here even when the centre was open.
“I hope this will be the last time rubbish is dumped here. Such behaviour is thoughtless and inconsiderate. Our communities deserve better than to have their streets treated as rubbish dumps.”
Cllr Trimnell confirmed that the city council is collaborating with Ubico and local residents to remove the waste as swiftly as possible.
Gloucestershire County Council leader Lisa Spivey (Liberal Democrat, South Cerney) emphasised the council’s stance against fly-tipping.
“We strongly condemn fly-tipping. There is no excuse for illegally dumping waste, and people should utilise the waste and recycling facilities available to them,” she stated.
“This location has experienced repeated fly-tipping incidents in the past, even when the Hempsted household recycling centre was operational. We remain committed to supporting our district colleagues in addressing and discouraging this irresponsible behaviour.”