AREAS around Wharton are becoming ‘environmental crime scenes’ as part of a Weaver Vale Housing Trust campaign against fly-tipping.

To highlight the issue around fly-tipping across the Crook Lane estate in Winsford, members from the Trust’s neighbourhood team donned full forensic gear and turned CSI investigators.

Fly-tipped rubbish was marked with special ‘environmental crime scene’ tape to highlight the problem and remind residents that fly-tipping is a criminal offence.

Last year the Trust spent £20,000 clearing fly-tipping across its neighbourhoods and now wants people to come forward if they see any issues.

Andrea Richardson, from Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: “Fly-tipping is a problem in the area. These environmental crime scenes are designed to highlight the amount of stuff that is being dumped before we clear it up.

“We were on the estate only last week and it wasn’t too bad. By the end of the week there was a lot of stuff lying around.

“Last year we spent £20,000 on clearing fly tipping, this is money that we could be investing in improving our customers’ homes.”

Research has shown that many people are unaware that leaving waste next is a crime which can lead to a fine of up to £50,000. Failure to pay can lead to prosecution and a criminal record.

Ahead of the Halloween and Bonfire season, staff from Weaver Vale have been out meeting residents and talking to them about how they can help tackle fly-tipping in the area.

As well as general advice, the team have handed out more than 100 padlocks to customers to keep their back gates and wheelie bins secure.

Andrea added: “We have been out and about speaking to people and everyone really likes living here. It’s just a small minority who are causing these issues.

“We know last year a lot of fly-tipping was being used to start fires across the estate so we have been doing some awareness raising with residents around what they can do to help us.

“If anyone sees anything – let us know. People can come forward and report things anonymously and we always treat things in confidence.”

If you see fly-tipping in and around your neighbourhood, report it to Weaver Vale Housing Trust on 0300 303 9848.