Let’s tackle flytip scourge, group urges resort community

A Blackpool group is urging the community to help it tackle the scourge of fly-tipping in the town

Fly-tipping remains a serious issue across Lancashire, and there were more than 5,410 fly-tipping incidents reported in Blackpool alone in a single year (2024/5) according to Government department DEFRA.

A successful prosecution can result in a fine of up to £50,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment but transgressors sill blatantly flout the law, leaving an unsightly mess in their wake.

William Banks, of the group Advocating for Blackpool,  says he has had enough and has launched an initiative called the ‘Big Blackpool Dirty Weekender’ to get something done and urging the public to report any incidents they see as soon as possible.

He said: “Fly-tipping is an absolute disgrace and I believe it actually has an effect on peeple’s mental heath and how they see the town they live in.

“It also looks a mess and can attract vermin. We’v seen old sofas, mattresses and old freezers dumped, along with plastic bags of rubbish.”

Mr Banks, who lives in the Brunswick area of the town, said: “From now until  Saturday April  25, I am encouraging everyone across Blackpool to be our eyes on the ground.

“We are tired of the fly-tipping blighting our neighbourhoods, so we are putting together a Mass Report to ensure our voices—and these messes—cannot be ignored.

“It’s time to take pride in our streets and tackle the eyesores that hold our community back.”

How does it work?

If anyone see fly-tipping, dumped furniture, or bags of waste in your area, they are asked to:

*Snap a clear photo.

*Note the exact location (street name or landmark).

*Send it to the Advocating for Blackpool, either  by either emailing Advocating4blackpool@gmail.com or  sending a direct message to the group’s Facebook page.

Mr Banks says the details collected will then be passed onto local councillors and Blackpool Council itself.

Blackpool Council urges the public not to try moving the material as they may disturb evidence or it may be toxic.

Mr Banks added: “We’re being pro-active to get things done and hopefully people will work with us.”