Housing Executive to clear illegally dumped rubbish in Ballyclare

Fly-tipped household and industrial items in the Rashee Road area of Ballyclare are set to be removed today (Monday).
The rubbish is set to be cleared today.The rubbish is set to be cleared today.
The rubbish is set to be cleared today.

The waste was discovered in the Rashee estate and Erskine Park areas of the Co Antrim town at the weekend.

A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said: “The council received reports from elected representatives of waste having been dumped in the Erskine area of Ballyclare.

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“Having checked the location, the council has contacted the NI Housing Executive as the landowner with responsibility for removal. We would remind anyone to report any fly-tipping by contacting the council.”

A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said: “We can confirm that this matter was reported to us this morning (Monday) and we have arranged for its removal this afternoon.

“Unfortunately, restricted service means that we have not been able to carry out our regular inspections. However, we can be contacted on 03448 920900 or you can report an issue on the Housing Executive’s website www.nihe.gov.uk”

South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron has hit out at those responsible for the recent dumping.

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In a statement, the DUP representative said: “It is disgusting and selfish that individuals would recklessly dump waste beside homes with young families and also pensioner bungalows nearby. Unfortunately this mess appears to be also contributing significantly to a rodent problem in the area according to local residents.

“After being contacted by residents over the weekend, I have approached relevant authorities about this matter and hope it can be cleared as soon as possible.

“The council have already taken steps for the phased re-opening of recycling centres which I hope will alleviate some of the fly-tipping issues we have seen in various parts of the borough however there is no excuse for illegal dumping at any time. The individuals behind this obviously have no thought for the local community having to live next to it.”

UUP Aldermnan Danny Kinahan also condemned those behind the fly-tipping.

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Mr Kinahan said: “There must be no dumping, especially during this pandemic. People must remember that key workers include waste disposal and they too can catch the virus.

“I would call on the public to report any instances of dumping.

“I would also call on Stormont to put large fines in place and ensure councils and police have the powers to enforce such fines.

“Cllr Vera McWilliam and I were just appalled that anyone could feel dumping was okay and we were so shocked by the scale of this.”

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