Ulster Unionist Party representatives for East Belfast, Alderman Sonia Copeland and Andy Allen MBE MLA, have encouraged Belfast residents and businesses to help address the continued increase in fly-tipping across the city.

Speaking as figures requested by the UUP from Belfast City Council showed a shocking 4,974 reported instances of fly-tipping recorded in the 12 months from April 2020, with a total of 10,787 instances of fly-tipping in the last three years, Andy Allen MLA stated:

“The number of reported fly-tipping instances in the Belfast City Council area has almost doubled in the last two years, resulting in increased costs to ratepayers and creating an increased risk of vermin infestation at a time when, due to the impact of the pandemic, services are already stretched to breaking point.

“I would call upon every resident and business owner to be vigilant for instances of fly-tipping and to record vehicle number plates or descriptions of those involved in this anti-social behaviour so they may be prosecuted.”

Alderman Sonia Copeland, who represents the Titanic DEA within Belfast City Council added:

“There is no reason for anyone to act in this manner. Belfast City Council offer a range of services from Bulk waste collection to a host of amenity sites and recycling centres. I must add that the cleansing staff have been tremendous throughout the pandemic, responding to an increased demand for services and dealing with all the challenges that the last year has created.

“I understand that the provision of these services were restricted during the height of the pandemic, but this is no excuse for anyone simply dumping their rubbish in public or private spaces. I echo Andy’s call for members of the public to record any information that could be useful in identifying and prosecuting those involved in this activity. This can be done anonymously by phoning the Council team on 028 9027 0230 or online at: https://online.belfastcity.gov.uk/StreetCleaning/”