Foston Parish councillor Claude Preira hit out at fly-tippers who dumped rubbish in the countryside

A parish councillor and village resident has hit out at fly-tippers who have blighted the surrounding countryside by dumping tyres, nappies and food.

Claude Preira says he is deeply saddened to see how some people have “lost their moral values and community spirit” following incidents of fly-tipping at Foston.

He said fly-tipping has ruined the area around the ford near the village, which he says has become “a central attraction for the despicable fly-tippers.”

“They think it is quite acceptable to knowingly discard drink cans, food, wrappers and old and soiled garments, including a full nappy, in and around the Foston village ford," Mr Preira said.

“Equally, we have recently become aware of people catching fish and barbecuing them on site, which is prohibited under local bylaws.

“I feel embarrassed for these people as they know what they are doing is wrong, as they wouldn’t fly-tip or litter in their own communities; which says to me they know right from wrong.”

Mr Preira said the fly-tipping problem was spread far and wide and was endemic plague crossing all areas of the country and communities.

He said all cases of fly-tipping are reported to South Kesteven District Council and he hoped that one day there will be a successful prosecution so that the fly-tippers could be named and shamed.

He said: “Maybe we need to go back to basics in pulling these anti-social behaviour perpetrators back into line, as people are not born bad, but if left to stray could quickly escalate to bigger things.

“I was told as a young man that, ‘whatever you are willing to walk past, is the standard you set’. For me, I always remember those words of wisdom when faced with a dilemma, which often plays a pivotal role in the path I take.

“We clearly need good role models and leaders at every level of society, including our local communities; maybe employers could equally play a part in bringing community values and standards to the fore.

“The Foston village ford accommodates the River Witham and is a beautiful space and is an idyllic environment for all people to visit.

“All we would ask, is for visitors to follow the country code and take rubbish home. Equally, we would also ask you to respect the wildlife and the environment.

“Respect the space, respect your community.”