BROMSGROVE District Council says they are dealing with the same amount of fly-tipping as usual during the current lockdown.

Fears were raised by residents and Worcestershire councillors that fly-tipping could increase as waste and recycling centres across the county remain closed in line with government guidelines.

However, the council has confirmed levels of fly-tipping in Redditch and Bromsgrove are down by around 20 per cent on last year's figures.

Guy Revans, head of environmental services for Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough councils, said: “We’re not currently seeing increased fly tipping.

"Levels of fly tipping are in fact down by about 20% on last year’s numbers. We might have expected to receive fewer reports, because fewer people are out and about to spot fly tips, but our key workers also aren’t seeing unusual amounts.

"We’re dealing with fly tips same as we always do during this lockdown, and will take enforcement action where evidence can be gathered.

“Hopefully the restrictions can soon start to be lifted and we can all start the process of getting back to normal.

"Meanwhile as people are being asked to temporarily store their excess waste at home, we’d encourage everyone just to be mindful of neighbours.

"And as ever, please ensure that anyone who offers to take your waste away gives you a receipt in the form of a formal waste transfer notice.

"Your waste remains your responsibility so if they do then go and fly tip it, without proof you used a proper waste carrier you also remain liable.”

Previously, Labour councillors in Worcestershire called for the reopening of local household recycling centre’s.

Cllr Peter McDonald, leader of the Bromsgrove Labour Group, said: “It is important that local authorities maintain that local tips are still open to the public to prevent fly tipping and unnecessary bonfires: in doing so protecting the local environment and public health.

"However, we need to recognise the pressures that the current coronavirus pandemic is placing upon local authorities, and that social distancing measures are maintain while residents are dumping their rubbish.

"Therefore, Bromsgrove Labour Group is calling upon the county council to reopen the local tip to prevent any build up of waste that could be harmful to local amenity and public health.”

Worcestershire County Council said it is working to ensure the centres can re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.

Cllr Tony Miller, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Our household recycling centres remain closed in line with the current government regulations around staying at home and non-essential travel.

"We appreciate residents’ frustrations on this matter and thank those residents who have been composting their grass cuttings at home, putting off DIY jobs until later in the year and storing waste safely at home until the sites re-open."