Let’s tackle fly-tip scourge in this town, says Blackpool man
“We are tired of the fly-tipping blighting our neighbourhoods”
A Blackpool man is urging the community to help him 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.
William Banks, who heads a campaign called 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.
Alhough a successful prosecution can result in a fine of up to £50,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment, transgressors sill blatantly flout the law, leaving an unsightly mess in their wake.
Mr Banks, who previously worked in the legal profession, said: “Fly-tipping is an absolute disgrace and I believe it actually has an effect on people’s mental heath and how they see the town they live in.
”It also looks a mess and can attract vermin. We’ve 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 campaign 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 [email protected] 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 contain toxic substances.
Mr Banks added: “We’re being pro-active to get things done and hopefully people will work with us.”