Burrator fly-tipping sparks concern after rubbish dumped beside popular Dartmoor walk
Fly-tipped waste including polystyrene and bags of rubbish has been found beside a popular walking route near Burrator Reservoir, with concerns raised about the impact on Dartmoor's landscape, wildlife and visitors
Waste including polystyrene, bags of garden waste and other rubbish has been fly-tipped beside a popular walking route near Burrator Reservoir, prompting concern from a Plymouth woman who discovered it while walking her dog.
Jane Farnaby spotted the waste beside the road near the end of the Higher Leat, close to where it passes beneath the Princetown road near the former South West Water property.
She had been walking her springer spaniel when she noticed the rubbish, which appeared to have been thrown over a roadside wall.
Mrs Farnaby contacted The Moorlander after being left unsure who to report the incident to.
She said: "Someone has fly-tipped a load of rubbish just off the wall beside the road. It's just up the hill from the old South West Water house below the old railway line at the end of the leat where it goes under the road."
The dumped waste appears to include broken polystyrene packaging, plastic bags and other household or garden materials.
Speaking to The Moorlander, Mrs Farnaby said fly-tipping has become an increasingly common sight around western Dartmoor.
"I've seen whole bathroom suites dumped near Clearbrook," she said.
Mrs Farnaby also expressed concern about livestock grazing close to dumped rubbish.
"There were ponies feeding on the grass between it all," she said.
"I've even seen a three-seater settee perched on the old railway embankment near Goodameavy, it's crazy, it’s happening everywhere."
“I will come home from walks with bags of rubbish, and my husband will think I’m mad, but I’m just trying to do my bit, we all want to protect the moor.”
After being contacted by The Moorlander, Dartmoor National Park Authority confirmed that fly-tipping is dealt with by district councils or the landowner rather than the National Park Authority itself, who do not own any land at Burrator.
The Moorlander then contacted West Devon Borough Council to ask whether the incident has been reported, whether it will investigate, who is responsible for clearing the waste and whether there are any appeals for information.
Lead Member for Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Adam Bridgewater, said: “West Devon Borough Council has investigated a fly-tip near Burrator Reservoir. The fly-tip is on private land, so responsibility lies with the landowner to remove the fly-tipped waste.
“As the Council with powers to enforce against those who commit these types of criminal offences, even on private land we will work with the landowner to consider what enforcement action can be taken.
“Fly-tipping is an eyesore and a crime that damages our environment and endangers wildlife. Where we can, we are determined to take action against those who spoil our environment and put our communities at risk.
“We encourage everyone to stay vigilant, report incidents when you see them, and always use licensed waste carriers. If you ever come across a fly-tip in the West Devon area, you can report it to us online at www.westdevon.gov.uk/report-it”