Flytipping sparks villagers’ fightback

People who live in the Ewden Valley on the north-western edge of Sheffield said criminals had targeted many isolated areas, including scenic spots near the Broomhead and More Hall reservoirs.

Now residents have enlisted the help of the South Yorkshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and Sheffield Council to stage a clean-up and install cameras at known dumping grounds in a bid to catch tippers in the act.

Dan Lyons, who lives in Stocksbridge, is one of the locals who have helped set up the Ewden Valley Community Clean Up project and has organised the first in a series of clean up events on Saturday May 12.

He said: “It seems unbelievable that anyone could just go and dump their rubbish in any public place or on someone else’s land. Ewden Valley is a beautiful area and we are fed up with it being ruined by flytipping and litter.”

CPRE spokesman John King added: “Ewden Valley is an area enjoyed by the people of Sheffield, and it’s terrible to see it ruined by rubbish.

“CPRE’s Stop the Drop campaign is against litter and flytipping, so we’re really pleased to be joining local people and getting something practical done about it.”

As part of the project Sheffield Council and local police officers will carry out stop and search operations on vehicles suspected of being involved in flytipping.

Both Stocksbridge and Bradfield Parish Councils, which cover the area, have also agreed to fund leaflets to be distributed to thousands of households and businesses in areas bordering the valley.

Volunteers will meet in Ewden village on May 12 for the clean up. For more information on how to get involved in the project, call Mr Lyons on 07799 117695.