Industrial level Ashfield fly-tip declared an 'environmental crime scene' as investigation launched

Coun Jason Zadrozny, council leader, has branded the fly-tip, on Coxmoor Road, “a disgrace” and demanded it be closely examined to try to identify the culprits before its removal.

It has now been declared an environmental crime scene.

The rubbish, dumped in a lay-by near Norman’s Hill Wood, will now be investigated by the council’s community protection team.

The council said the fly-tip comes three weeks into the Big Ashfield Spring Clean, the authority’s biggest yet with multiple tons of rubbish collected over the past few weeks around the district.

Coun Zadrozny said: “This fly-tip is on an industrial level and is a disgrace. Our council staff and councillors work so hard to assist residents get rid of their excess.

“To see this huge fly-tip while we are just finishing our Big Spring Clean for 2023 is disheartening to say the least.

“We won’t let this divert us from our efforts to maintain pride in our communities. That is why I have immediately requested an investigation.

“Our teams will now go through it looking for evidence and if we find it – we will throw the kitchen sink at the culprits.”

Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £50,000 – or unlimited if the case goes to Crown Court – or an offender can even be sent to prison.