Litter picker upset with fly-tipping

Campaigner criticises Torbay Council

An environmental campaigner has criticised Torbay Council for a lack of action over fly-tipping in the Bay.

Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) showed that fly-tipping incidents in Torbay last year rose by over 20 per cent. This is in stark contrast to the rest of the south west, which saw incidents fall by just over 10 per cent.

Last week, campaigner Mark Spacagna took to the streets of Torquay for a litter pick, describing litter as a “blight in our community.” He does not feel the council and SWISCo, the authority’s waste collection provider, is doing enough to tackle it.

“It’s not good for businesses to see,” he added. “Especially along main carriageways like at the new road into Torquay.”

As well as litter, Mr Spacagna is concerned about value for money given that the council is increasing council tax.

Cllr Andrew Barrand (Conservative, Cockington with Chelston) said that recycling and littering issues have contributed to a lack of trust between the council’s leadership and the people of Torbay. He thinks the Liberal Democrat/Independent leadership has “got it wrong” in their efforts to keep the streets clean.

The council is conducting its own litter pick this week, but Cllr Barrand argues this is “coincidental” given the recent social media push by people like Mr Spacagna.

“My concern is that the council are saying that they want this to be a premier resort, but then this is what people are complaining about, that their first impression as they come into the Bay is not a very good one,” he stated.

Independent cabinet member for the environment Cllr Mike Morey (Furzeham with Summercombe), and Liberal Democrat cabinet member for corporate and community services Cllr Christine Carter (Roundham with Hyde) have both been contacted for a response.