Farmer's Fury: Fly-Tipping Blight Worsens

A Shropshire livestock farmer has reported increasingly severe cases of fly-tipping on his property. The dumped materials have included general waste, builders' debris, garden waste, tyres, and chemicals, with a dead foal discovered on the land before Christmas. Faced with this persistent issue, farmers are taking matters into their own hands by blocking farm entrances with large obstacles to deter illegal dumping.

The farmer expressed frustration over the responsibility and cost of cleaning up the waste. He also highlighted the increased vigilance required from farmers, who now use neighbourhood watch groups to report suspicious activities. While farmers appreciate police efforts, they are eager for more prosecutions against those responsible for this rural crime.

In response to the escalating problem, the National Farmers' Union has welcomed new surveillance and investigative measures planned by the Environment Agency. These include deploying 33 drones for aerial monitoring, some featuring laser mapping technology, and a new screening tool to identify suspect waste operators. The union stressed the need for stronger penalties and public awareness campaigns.