29
April
2019
|
15:57
Europe/London

City of London Corporation crushes vehicle caught fly-tipping in Epping Forest

The City of London Corporation has crushed a vehicle involved in the illegal fly tipping of three tonnes of waste in Epping Forest using new powers under the City of London Corporation (Open Spaces) Act 2018 for the first time.

City Corporation staff working with the support of the Metropolitan Police Service and Essex Police, seized a white transit van on 22 February.

Following further investigation, the vehicle was found to be implicated in a series of identical fly tips over recent months and was seized to prevent it being used for further criminal activity.

Each year, between 600 and 800 fly tips are cleared from Epping Forest land. And in the last five years, 73 people have been ordered to pay out £32,689.03 for fly tipping in Epping Forest, after legal action by the City Corporation.

The growing cost of removing fly-tips and litter has forced the City Corporation to divert £320,000 each year away from managing the Forest for public recreation and wildlife conservation to simply disposing of waste.

Philip Woodhouse, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, said:

“Fly tipping is bad for the environment and public health, and a waste of funds that could be better used to support Epping Forest.

“I am outraged that the irresponsible actions of fly tippers are wasting charitable funds that should be invested in the management of the Forest.

“I hope that the crushing of this vehicle sends a strong message that fly tipping will not be tolerated.

“In this case, our staff were able to respond quickly to reports made to our 24 hour emergency line – 020 8532 1010 – and I urge the public to continue to report suspicious activity by fly tippers.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police said:

“Essex Police recognise the damage done to the County by fly-tipping and were pleased to support the operation by the City Corporation to seize and crush this vehicle which was clearly implicated in illegal fly tipping activity.”

The City Corporation protects and conserves 18 important green spaces in London and south east England – including Hampstead Heath and Burnham Beeches - and over 200 smaller ones in the Square Mile.

They include important wildlife habitats, sites of scientific interest and national nature reserves. They are protected from being built on by special legislation.

The City of London Corporation funds green spaces across London. Its green spaces, most of which are charitable trusts, are run at little or no cost to the communities that they serve. They are funded by over £29million a year from the City Corporation, together with donations, sponsorship, grants and income generated on site.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk