Star comment: Worrying increase in fly-tipping

Residents are making an increasing number of journeys into the heart of our green and pleasant land to dump rubbish that ought to be taken to one of the many waste reclamation centres that dot our area.

After all, those responsible have to get into their cars in order to drive to the countryside – surely it would be easier to point their cars and vans in a different direction and simply drive to the tip.

Shropshire and Mid-Wales are among the most beautiful areas in the UK. We are blessed to be in a region that has a stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The surrounding countryside is similarly spectacular.

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Yet a mindless minority think it is acceptable to bespoil those natural riches by dumping waste on country lanes, in farmers' fields, at car parks and in other parts of the country.

Nationally, more than £45 million is spent on cleaning up after those who won't clean up after themselves. That money could quite easily be spent on a number of new recycling centres.

Here in Shropshire and Mid-Wales, one of the most worrying aspects is that the rate of fly-tipping is increasing rapidly. The problem is not getting less serious; it is getting worse all the time. Between 2012 and 2013, fly-tipping increased by a fifth. Between 2013 and 2014, it increased by a further quarter.

During the past two years, the amount of waste dumped in our countryside has increased uncontrollably.

Council tax payers pick up the tab. The additional costs of collection are recovered from normal, law-abiding residents whose council taxes cover the cost of environmental services.

The rate of increase is not the only worrying aspect. The cost of cleaning up has also spiralled. In the past three years, the price of removing waste has increased by £15, to a new high of £64 per incident. It is money down the drain.

There is a simple solution. People who think about tipping in the country ought to simply stop.

Residents aware of those who are responsible might well feel justified in blowing the whistle on the perpetrators.

As a region, we should not have to endure the consequences of the thoughtless, irresponsible and selfish deeds of a messy and untidy minority.