DEVIZES will write to Wiltshire Council over a persistent fly-tipping problem at an abandoned slaughterhouse.
The abandoned slaughterhouse on the corner of Coate Road has been the target of people looking to illegally dump rubbish.
In the last 12 months, the council has received four reports of fly-tipping at the site and has issued one £400 fine following an investigation into one such instance.
The area was once under the jurisdiction of Bishops Cannings Parish Council, however, now the parish has asked Devizes Town Council to write to the unitary authority to demand action.
Unitary and town councillor, Iain Wallis said: “I think it is essential for both Devizes Town Council and Wiltshire Council to work together to combat fly-tipping on this site so fully support the town councils decision to write to Wiltshire to establish what measures can be taken.
READ MORE: Chippenham teen captures 10,000 images of street lights
“Fines have already been issued by Wiltshire Council for fly-tipping here but it is clear that this isn’t enough to solve the problem.
“I’m encouraged that rather than asking someone else to deal with the issue the town council is determined to work together with the local authority and I hope Devizes as a whole will fully endorse this approach as it is by far the best way to protect our community and help it thrive.”
Devizes mayor, Chris Gay told the Gazette: "This building has been in a derelict state for a considerable period of time, and whilst it has suffered from fly-tipping for many years, more recently it seems to have become the focus for even greater amounts of fly tipping and, possibly, drug activity. This, therefore, is having an adverse visual effect on this area, part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
"With the change of local authority boundaries earlier this year, the site is now within Devizes area. Local residents of Bishops Cannings Parish Council have brought the deteriorating condition of this building to the attention of Devizes Town Council.
"The town council has now contacted Wiltshire Council’s public protection team and building control team to see what action can be taken to secure the site."
It was also decided that on top of asking Wiltshire Council for action at the site, that the town council would write to the parish to ask it what action had been taken in the past.
Director of the Devizes Development Partnership, Maria Hoult said the group is working with the council to suggest CCTV solutions to the blight and catch culprits.
READ MORE: Wiltshire Council refuses plans to use barns for storage
“This sort of crime is not victimless, somebody has to pay to clear up the area and the environment and wildlife suffers when rubbish starts to pile up,” they said.
“We welcome the involvement of Devizes Town Council and will support them and the whole community in their efforts to stop fly-tipping and catch the culprits red-handed.”
Cabinet member for waste. Dr Mark McClelland said: "The land is privately owned, Wiltshire Council officers have been liaising with the landowner following an informal route to request they have the waste removed and lawfully disposed of in line with their land ownership responsibilities.
“The deadline date is nearing and if the landowner does not comply, the council will issue a formal notice to clear the land under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
READ MORE: Wiltshire Council to launch new community support service
“Fly-tipping not only creates cost for the council in enforcing illegal deposits but carries a significant price to the landowners in clearing the waste. It is vital all waste is disposed of appropriately.
“We want to send a clear message to the inconsiderate minority that we will fine or prosecute if you are caught dumping rubbish illegally."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here