Newark and Sherwood District Council to get tougher on fly-tippers around Sherwood Forest

A council wants to get tougher on fly-tippers dumping extensive amounts of rubbish around historic Sherwood Forest.

Newark and Sherwood District Council is looking at putting in place a Public Space Protection Order, which can restrict behaviour and result in fixed penalty notices for those who breach the order.

The Public Space Protection Order in this case would be a physical barrier preventing vehicle access to areas where fly-tipping is a common occurrence.

The local authority said there has been a long-term problem within Sherwood Forest and in the immediate area near to Deerdale Lane and Eakring Road.

Fly-tips range from small deposits of household waste to large dumps of trade waste. The location is also known for the disposal of abandoned and stolen vehicles.

Matthew Finch, director of environment and communities at the council, said: “The area around Deerdale Lane/Eakring Road is used by many visitors to Sherwood Forest and the level of fly-tipping detracts from the natural beauty of the area but also poses a risk to walkers, horse riders and cyclists.

“Public Space Protection Orders are designed to promote responsible behaviour and restrict behaviour that is anti-social.”

The power to make the order rests with local authorities, in consultation with Nottinghamshire Police.

Mr Finch added: “The options for controlling fly-tipping in this location are limited. The ability to monitor the area and to catch fly-tipping taking place is difficult due to the nature of the terrain and the isolated nature of the area.

“In the vast majority of cases there is no evidence of where the waste has originated from, therefore no follow-up investigation can be undertaken.”

A physical barrier blocking vehicle access to the areas around Deerdale Lane/Eakring Road is also planned.

Access will be available for cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.

Consultation is required before a decision is reached. This will include the public, other local councils and the police.

Councillors are being asked to support the consultation at a leisure and environment committee on Tuesday.

A further report setting out the results of the consultation will then be brought back to the committee.