L arge scale coordinated dumping is now a regular occurrence with photos sent to the NFU showing it ’ s not just large domestic items such as washing machines , fridges , sofas , mattresses and furniture , but also clinical waste and rubbish from construction and demolition . It comes on the day that the Government has confirmed a rise in the number of incidents to 936,000 in 2015 / 16 .
With rural tourism contributing £ 130m to the nation ’ s economy ( 2015-16 ) the NFU believes more urgently needs to be done to protect the iconic British countryside from fly-tipping with local authorities and police helping farmers battling this issue .
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Under the current rules farmers and landowners are left facing hefty bills to remove vast amounts of rubbish dumped illegally on their land .
NFU Deputy President Minette Batters said the solution was better collaboration between all those affected parties .
“ Fly-tipping is the scourge of the countryside . Clearly we are disappointed that the number of flytipping incidents has increased . Our members are fully aware of the impacts this can have on farm and the wider countryside , as well as the high costs and stress that can come along with it . This can run into thousands of pounds and can see farmers being forced to deal with the aftermath themselves ,” she added .
“ That ’ s why we have written to the Ministry of Justice , Liz Truss ,
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as well as the National Police Chief ’ s Council ( NPCC ) and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners ( APCC ), to ensure that magistrates are aware of increased fine limits and that they are fully informed on the negative impact flytipping can have on the rural community .
“ It is crucial that Britain ’ s countryside is not used as a dumping ground . We need a broader government strategy that allows incidents to be reported more effectively and cleared up , intelligence to be shared more easily and we need a campaign to raise awareness among householders on their responsibilities in disposing of unwanted waste .”
The NFU is asking for :
• Local authorities and the police assisting landowners in the
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clean-up and reporting of flytipped waste
• NFU wants all parties ( Local authorities / Police / land owners / The Environment Agency ) to work together on the issue which means prevention , clean up and prosecution .
• It should not be the sole responsibility of the landowner to deal with this crime and landowners are currently saddled with the cost of removing fly tipped waste .
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