Fly-tippers slammed after household items dumped in Newtownabbey

A mattress was one of the items dumped on the Upper Hightown Road. Pic by Heather Wilson.

The call came after staff from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council were tasked to clear the rubbish this week.

Commenting on the issue, a spokesperson for the local authority said: “A council team was sent out to clean up the area and this has now been dealt with. We would remind anyone to report any fly-tipping to via our Council Portal at https://myaccount.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/article/928/Report-Fly-Tipping

“Our Household Recycling Centres will be open (from May 4 – Newpark, Antrim; O’Neill Road, Newtownabbey) from May 11 Bruslee, Newtownabbey; Craigmore, Randalstown; Crumlin), but a drop off appointment will have to be booked in advance (see website for details).

Staff from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council were tasked to clean the area this week. Pic by Heather Wilson.

“Those obtaining a slot are asked not to go directly to the HRC site, but instead arrive at the relevant holding area close-by, where they will be advised by staff when to depart for the site, to minimise traffic congestion at the HRC sites.”

Branding those behind the incident, “reckless,” Cllr Noreen McClelland said: “Thanks to council staff for responding to our request to have this cleared so promptly.

“I recognise the last number of weeks have been tough with recycling centres being closed, but there was no justification for the mess caused by the reckless fly-tipping on the Upper Hightown Road.

“Now that recycling centres are opening again, I hope it brings an end to this. However, I would ask residents to be vigilant and report any sightings of fly-tippers to the PSNI.”

Echoing these sentiments, SDLP representative Heather Wilson, who reported the fly-tipping, added: “I’d like to extend my thanks to council staff who responded so quickly to clearing the mess.

“Dumping large household items like mattresses at the side of busy roads poses a danger to road users and pedestrians. I hope we see no more of this.”

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