Crackdown on rogue scrap dealers in Telford

It is understood licensed scrap dealers in the town will be given magnetic plates to put on their vans in the near future, although Telford & Wrekin Council is yet to confirm the measure.

Those that have paid to register to collect scrap in Telford & Wrekin would be able to use the new red plates to indicate their official status.

It is hoped that the move would help residents avoid dealers who collect scrap from homes, take the money and then fly-tip.

Councillor Peter Scott, of Newport’s East ward, has been involved in the push for more visibility among licensed dealers.

He said: “There’s been a lot of discussion around unlicensed scrap dealers and it has cut down a lot, but we want to stop it completely. The more that take heed of it, the fewer problems we will have.”

Councillor Scott paid for 3,000 leaflets out of his councillor’s fund, which he has delivered around Newport.

He said: “Telford & Wrekin Council are saying don’t leave anything out for scrap dealers unless you have a pre-arranged appointment with a licensed dealer.

“If you leave something out and the unlicensed dealer takes the bits that interest him and then dumps the rest, you get a fine for the fly-tipping if they can track it back to you.”

Councillor Scott said that residents in Newport approach him frequently about it.

“I do have people complain about it,” he said. “They can’t tell if a dealer is licensed, they have to ask them, which they’re not very keen to do.

“Anybody who is unsure should get the registration details and ring it in to Telford & Wrekin Licensing. They will do the chasing, if they’re illegal they’ll drag them over the coals. All they need is the right information.”

To report an unlicensed scrap dealer call 01952 381818.