Lewis Says Slieve Croob Fly Tippers Face Fines

Fly Tippers at Slieve Croob leave possible clues to their identity.

Fly Tippers at Slieve Croob leave possible clues to their identity.

The names and address of a couple who live in Newcastle have been passed to Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Enforcement Team in relation to a fly-tipping incident writes Laura Barr.

The matter relates to a report of rubbish which was discovered on Sunday (3 January) afternoon at Dee Hill car park at the foot of Slieve Croob.

Items including a PlayStation console, games, clothes, household rubbish and dirty nappies were among the many bags of rubbish.

Ulster Unionist representative Councillor Alan Lewis was informed of the incident after he was contacted by a constituent.

Cllr Alan Lewis with the fly-tipped rubbish he bagged up at Slieve Croob.

“Bags of rubbish had been tossed over the wall, they were ripped and flung into the field which was of particular concern given there were sheep grazing in and around the bags” he said.

“There was a PlayStation console, games, clothes, household rubbish and other electronic items along with dirty nappies.

“What makes this even more despicable is that some of the items could have been donated to charity and given to children less fortunate this Christmas.

“The owners, however, chose to turn once loved toys into pollution.”

Cllr Lewis added: “I genuinely despair as to the kind of mentality at play here.

“Selfish, irresponsible and lacking pride within the community from which they come from. It really is depressing.”

Mr Lewis was able to retrieve numerous letters addressed to a couple living in the Newcastle area which have since been passed to Newry Mourne and Down District Council for their consideration and possible legal action and potential fines.

He added: “This reflects the intelligence of those responsible as not only did they pass one of our Household Recycling Centres on their way to the dump, but they also forgot to cover their tracks”.

Councillor Lewis has reported this to Neighbourhood Services and he also tidied up and bagged up the mess ready for Council teams to collect.

“I would reiterate that there is absolutely no excuse for fly-tipping.

“Be it reduced hours at our recycling centres, uncollected bins or anything else, those who engage in this behaviour display disgusting discourtesy to their neighbours, the countryside and indeed themselves.”

In a statement to Down News, a Council spokesperson said: “Newry Mourne and Down District Council confirms that it has received notification of illicit dumping in the Dee Hill Carpark area of Slieve Croob.

“The Council condemns any incidence of fly-tipping and has begun investigation into this incident with a view to prosecution.

“The Council requests that anyone with information relating to this incident pass it to the Council’s Enforcement Team.”