As incidences of fly-tipping in the UK continue to rise, costing local authorities an estimated £49.8 million in 2015/2016, Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc), in conjunction with Wiltshire Council, has today launched #CleanUpWilts, a countywide litter campaign to encourage local communities to keep the county clean.
As the launch sponsor of the campaign, Landmarc is actively promoting the issue of fly-tipping; a growing concern on Salisbury Plain, which the company manages on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Commenting on the launch of #CleanUpWilts, Steve Utley, Managing Director at Landmarc said:
“Salisbury Plain is one of the largest areas of military training land that we manage in the UK, and like many sites across the country, we are facing a significant challenge with fly-tipping on the estate.
“In the last year alone, our staff have dealt with over 200 separate fly-tipping incidents, costing us – and ultimately the tax payer – 642 man hours and over £29,000.
“We believe we have a duty to preserve and protect the land surrounding the estate for all of its stakeholders and to be good stewards of the Plain; not just in ensuring that it can serve its prime purpose for preparing our troops, but so that it can be sustained and enhanced for future generations to come.
“Incidents of fly-tipping on footpaths and bridleways increased by 8.0 per cent in England in 2015/16 and sadly, it’s a trend we are witnessing first hand here in Wiltshire, with more and more incidences of waste being dumped needlessly on the Plain. As a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), which is home to a number of rare and protected species, this is a real concern to us, as some items that are discarded such as oil, diesel and even ink cartridges can leach in to the ground, causing untold environmental damage.
“But it’s not just the ecological impact. Fly-tipping also puts our staff that have the task of clearing the rubbish, and the soldiers training on the land, at risk; not forgetting the danger that members of the public are exposing themselves to by entering areas of restricted land.
“That’s why we are delighted to be supporting the Council and helping to tackle the £2.5 million issue of litter across the county.”
Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, said: “I am so pleased that Landmarc is supporting this campaign, which aims to raise awareness of this totally unacceptable behaviour.
“We spend £2.5 million on clearing up our beautiful landscape and this is a totally avoidable cost. This is money that could be better spent on vital frontline services.
“If we all do our bit and take our litter home, we will help to keep Wiltshire beautiful, protect the wildlife, and be in a position to allocate the current budget on other key services.”
The launch of #CleanUpWilts saw pupils from St Thomas à Becket CE (Aided) Primary School, Tilshead take part in a litter pick and learn more about the impact that rubbish can have on the natural environment from Landmarc’s Tom Theed, Rural Estates Delivery Advisor in the South West. There was also a fly-tipped ‘crime scene’ to demonstrate the scale of the problem in the county.
As well as raising awareness of the penalties and consequences of fly-tipping, the campaign will focus on fast-food on the go litter and will encourage community litter picks and clean ups.