Illegal dumpers causing danger for horses on country roads

Gill Wilson is angry over flytipping around Seaton.
Horses Bailey and Charlie — Gill Wilson is angry over flytipping around Seaton. Horses Bailey and Charlie

Gill Wilson, from Silksworth, has her horses Charlie and Bailey in stables at Haverley House Farm in Seaton, Seaham.

The 48-year-old is calling for a stop to flytipping in the village, which is being blighted as its isolated lanes and fields are used as a dumping ground.

Gill Wilson is angry over flytipping around Seaton.

Gill said: “I was out on Charlie the other day and because of all the bags of rubbish he was scared.

“As we were approaching it, he jumped and went down the side of the verge and almost went down the side of the ditch.

“I just stopped him in time, but it could have been worse.

“There’s so many things which could cause damage around there.

“I’ve seen smashed bottles, concrete, metal, all sorts. It’s like running the gauntlet.

“I’ve been phoning the council and I know it’s really hard to stop them, but people need to understand.

“Something needs to be done about it. It’s a real danger.”

Durham County Council, which is responsible for tackling flytipping in the village, has said it has received reports and has taken action to clear up and investigate the incidents.

Ian Hoult, neighbourhood protection manager at Durham County Council, said: “We have received a report of flytipping in this area and our investigations are continuing.

“Flytipping is a serious offence which is unsightly and dangerous and which causes damage to the environment. We will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those found to be responsible.”

The authority is running its biggest ever crackdown on the issue though Operation Stop It in conjunction with Durham Constabulary, Crimestoppers, and the Environment Agency.

In addition to targeted those who illegally dump waste, the campaign aims to remind householders they are legally responsible for ensuring anyone they use to dispose of their waste is registered with the Environment Agency as a waste carrier.

Incident can be reported via 03000 26 1000 or the council’s flytipping page via www.durham.gov.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on the Crimestoppers website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.