NEW security gates have been installed at two of Harlow’s worst flytipping hotspots – Ash Tree Fields and Jean McAlpine Park.
Rubbish has been dumped on the lane leading to the playing fields at Ash Tree Fields for some time but the gate will prevent vehicle access.
And new bollards and gates at Jean McAlpine Park – adjacent to the Pinnacles industrial area – also block access points.
The cost of the work at Ash Tree Field was met by Harlow Town Cricket Club and Canons Brook Golf Club, while Harlow Council paid for the measures at Jean McAlpine Park.
Paul Morrell, secretary of Harlow Town Cricket Club, said: “The new gate has eradicated the problem of flytipping in the lane overnight by preventing drivers pulling their vehicles off the road out of sight to dump their waste.
“This has over the past few years been an increasing problem for us and has on many occasions prevented access for members, visiting teams and schools playing cricket at Ash Tree Field.”
Tony Hall, chairman of the council’s environment and community committee, said the authority would always prosecute flytippers when they were caught.
“Flytipping is not a harmless crime,” he said. “It takes a great deal of time and council taxpayers’ money to clean up the mess and hazard caused by these dangerous and thoughtless acts.
“To prevent Harlow’s green spaces from becoming a dumping ground we urge anyone witnessing flytipping to call the council.”
To report suspected fly-tippers, call Harlow Council on (01279) 446655 or email contact@harlow.gov.uk.