Can you help catch Exmouth fly-tippers?

East Devon District Council is asking for help from the public about two serious fly tipping incidents in the Exmouth area.

The first was dumped asbestos and the other was multiple bags of dog mess that were left by a dog waste bin.

Both cases are quite unusual and officers can take enforcement action against the culprits if they can be identified. Fixed penalty notices are one option, but council officers can also prosecute if it feels that the fixed penalty is an inadequate remedy.

The first instance was the dumping of a large quantity of asbestos cement material in a car park near the Exmouth recycling centre. This happened at lunchtime on Thursday 20 March. The vehicle was identified as a large grey/blue Vauxhall van but officers would like more details of this van as only a partial registration number was noted.

The material is likely to have come from an old shed roof, probably taken down in the Exmouth or Budleigh area. The material in its present state presents no risk to the public, and it will soon be removed by the landowner, but disposing of asbestos containing material in this way can attract severe penalties. Officers would like to hear from anyone who can link the recent demolition of a shed with the large grey/blue Vauxhall van.

The second case was one of several incidents around Exmouth involving the disposal of large pet food bags full of dog mess. This is seen as anti-social behaviour which could cause harm to council staff handling the material. The feed bags were all of the “Field and Trial” brand which is commonly used by people with working dogs, kennels or other large numbers of dogs.

Eight bags were left beside a dog bin on the Imperial Recreation Ground during the evening of Thursday 27 March. This area is heavily used by walkers in the evening and officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed bags being unloaded and left near a dog bin.

Again a vehicle and/or person description would be very helpful. EDDC waste contractors have reported having to pick up similar quantities of bags left elsewhere in Exmouth, specifically in Marine Way and Chatham Close. Officers would be very pleased to hear from any member of the public who may be able to provide information regarding these incidents.

Fly tipping is taken very seriously by the council and courts, and enforcement action will be taken against identified offenders. There are plenty of facilities available for both members of the public and commercial operations to lawfully and responsibly dispose of any waste. Wherever possible the cost of clearing up fly tips will be recovered from the offender as well as any fines.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents can contact Environmental Health on 01395 517456 or by email environmentalhealth@eastdevon.gov.uk Any information provided will be treated in confidence.