Residents have voiced outrage over "disgusting" mounds of rubbish that were dumped at an ancient beauty spot near Watford.
A video shared online yesterday (September 9) shows the fly-tip in Whippendell Wood off Rousebarn Lane which appeared "over the weekend", as a woman’s voice says: “People are just disgusting, I mean this is a huge fly-tip.”
Dozens of black bags, at least two mattresses and multiple wooden boards can be seen dumped at the woodland, which is believed to be 400 years old and designated a “site of special scientific interest” due to its various habitats.
One resident branded it “unbelievable, absolutely disgusting”, adding: “Wherever it’s come from and whoever has dumped it are as bad as each other, no conscience whatsoever.”
Another said it “makes me really angry to see such disrespect for others and our countryside”, while one commented: “It totally infuriates me, why do they do this?”
Multiple locals called for ANPR cameras to be installed at the site to catch those responsible.
A spokesperson for Three Rivers District Council confirmed an officer had visited earlier today (September 10) and will report it to Watford Borough Council as the woodland falls within the town’s boundaries.
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Eco Clear Waste Management Ltd, which was ordered to pay £13,475 in July over an “outrageous” fly-tip in September last year.
Residents called for those responsible to be prosecuted like Hunton Bridge-basedThe waste management firm admitted an unauthorised deposit of controlled waste in Dodds Lane, Hemel Hempstead, at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on July 31, and was ordered to pay a £10,000 fine, £1,159.73 costs, a victim surcharge of £2,000, and £316.09 compensation.
Dacorum councillor Robin Bromham, who is responsible for neighbourhood operations, said at the time: “Fly-tipping is atrocious and impacts our environment and wildlife.
“It is outrageous that a company with a waste carrier licence would be found to be dumping rubbish on our streets and lanes.”
Eco Clear Waste Management LTD declined to comment when approached by the Watford Observer.
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