THE council-led pilot project, working close with the community to reduce fly-tipping in Carlin How, has seen a massive success since its launch in May 2024, with some of its most enthusiastic participants being the pupils of Whitecliffe Primary Academy.
A wide range of actions were undertaken by council officers and members to tackle fly-tipping in Carlin How once and for all. From carrying out street cleansing and monitoring the general maintenance of the streets to investigating fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling incidents and taking enforcement action against the offenders.
Significant efforts have been made to raise awareness of fly-tipping and its detrimental effects on the environment and to support residents in disposing their waste responsibly. Drop-in surgeries were held monthly, giving officers the opportunity to provide helpful information to residents, who had the chance to ask questions and share their concerns about the area.
Whitecliffe Primary Academy also got involved in the project to stop the scourge of fly-tipping. Council officers visited the school with an itinerary full of activities to teach the children about the harms of fly tipping, the benefits of recycling and how they can help their area and the environment.
After an educational and interactive presentation on what can and cannot go in the blue bin, the children, armed with litter picking equipment and accompanied by teachers and council officers, went out to tidy the streets around their school. They returned with full bags, some with waste and some with recycling, all of them proud to have helped their local community and eager to share what they’ve learned with their families.
When asked about her day, one of the students, Evie, aged eight, said: “Today I’ve learned that you should never fly tip because if you leave rubbish on the ground it will get into the soil and pollute the environment and hurt the animals.” She also had a final message for all adults and children in the borough: “Can you please stop fly-tipping and help us keep the planet healthy?”
Since the scheme was launched, Carlin How has seen a reduction in fly-tipping of 38.23% (comparing the three months leading up to November with the three months immediately before the project started). The village has also seen a 28.57% reduction in littering, a 70% reduction in dog fouling and a 52.94% reduction for all environmental crime offences.
Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood, Cllr Adam Brook, said: “It is amazing to see the progress we have achieved, which wouldn’t have been possible without the enthusiasm and determination of the residents from Carlin How.
“The village was chosen for the pilot project due to its strong community spirit and it was heartwarming to see all residents, from children to adults, work together with our officers to make a change in their area.
“I would like to thank everyone involved, residents, schools, our officers and our ward members, Cllr Barry Hunt, Cllr Graham Cutler and Cllr Martin Fletcher, for their valuable support. I’m looking forward to seeing this project being rolled out in more locations in Redcar and Cleveland and the positive impact this will have on our borough.”