Otley Wildlife Area.CCTV Monitoring

CCTV cameras to be used in a fight against fly-tipping at Otley wildlife area.

18:15 30 April 2018

Town councillors have unanimously agreed to install CCTV cameras at Otley wildlife area following reports that previous measures have failed to address the problem.

 

On April 23, the Environment and Sustainability Committee agreed to install hidden cameras at the riverside area to deter littering and tipping.

 

Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield), said: "Fly-tipping is illegal, anti-social, bad for the environment and wildlife and costs the town council money to remove.

 

"I am dismayed that incidents at Gallows Hill have risen since Leeds City Council introduced the charges for tipping of certain building and DIY materials, and I continue to maintain that these charges are mistaken and counter-productive.

 

"I hope our action will act as a deterrent and that residents using Gallows Hill will also be vigilant and report any unusual activity that may be related to fly-tipping.

 

"Our message to the waste criminals is clear - be under no illusion, if we catch and identify you, we will prosecute."

 

He added: "Despite the mistaken charges imposed by Leeds, you are required to dispose legally of builders and DIY wastes - and for residents using waste clearance services and builders for jobs, you should make an effort to ensure that anybody you use shows you their Waste Carriers License that indicates they are likely to comply with the law.

 

"Waste crime costs the nation many millions in clean-up costs and avoided Landfill Tax, and blights our countryside and towns.

 

"We must tackle it and the town council certainly intends to do this on our own nature area that we have invested heavily in for the benefit of our community and its wildlife."