Labour-run Haringey Council has the second most fly-tipped highways in London according to official figures released last week in response to a question from Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow.

The figures show that Haringey has recorded 10,120 incidents of fly-tipping on highways between April 2005 and August 2005. Only Conservative-run Kensington and Chelsea had a higher figure, with over 16,000 reported. In total Haringey has recorded over 20,000 incidents of fly-tipping in just six months.

The Lib Dems are seeking an explanation from Haringey Council and want details of what is being done to address the problem in the borough.

Over the last few years local Lib Dem councillors have campaigned for a reduction in fly-tipping in the Haringey by successfully campaigning for the Council to reverse its bulky rubbish charges that was believed to be creating much of the fly-tipped waste around Haringey.

More recently they have confronted the Council over its failure to remove fly-tipped rubbish efficiently or to follow up eye-witness reports of fly-tipping quickly or effectively.

Lib Dem Environment spokesperson Cllr Bob Hare says the figures tell a sad story of Haringey Council’s environmental enforcement.

Cllr Hare (Highgate) comments:

“Haringey Council is currently failing to tackle the problem of fly-tipping effectively and this issue must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“Dumped rubbish left uncleared simply attracts more fly-tippers, and unless leads and reports of fly-tipping are swiftly followed up then the problem will escalate.”