ANGRY residents at Semington are furious about the flytipping happening in their village.

They posted photographs on local social media revealing the extent of the rubbish being dumped on their doorstep.

Brian Smyth said: “Well done to those who reported the fly-tipping in Gypsy Lane at the top of St George’s Road. It’s a disgusting practice and fly-tippers should have the full weight of the law thrown at them.

“For those who aren’t already aware, fly-tipping is best reported using Wiltshire Council’s ‘MyWilts’ app which allows you to drop a pin on a map of the area and attach a photo.

“Also when you see rubbish dumped please do not touch it. Not only is it unhygienic but if there is any suggestion that someone moved or touched anything then any prosecution will fail.”

Wiltshire Council has condemned flytipping, saying the people who dumped the rubbish will be fined if they can be identified.

The council has urged community groups to avoid holding organised litter picks during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions, which state people must stay at home and only take exercise once a day with up to one other person from outside of their household, and that means organised litter picks are not permitted.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste, said: “We recognise the valuable contribution our communities make to keeping our environment tidy and litter free, and in normal times we actively encourage groups to pick up litter in Wiltshire.

“At present, the safety of our residents is of paramount importance, so we must ask that people do not hold organised litter picks, until such time as Government restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.”

“If members of our communities wish to pick litter while undertaking their daily exercise, they should do this in a Covid-safe way, ensuring they are adhering to Government restrictions at all times.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who pick litter in Wiltshire as they do a great job to help keep our beautiful county tidy – but please, at the moment, stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Where people have already picked litter, they should dispose of it in a public litter bin, but if the bin is full, they should leave the tied bag beside the public litter bin and crews will remove the bags on their regular collection rounds.

People can also dispose of waste using their household waste and recycling facilities, but they should not leave extra bags next to household waste bins, as these will not be collected by crews.

Well done to those who reported the fly-tipping in Gypsy Lane (top of St George’s Road). It’s a disgusting practice and fly-tippers should have the full weight of the law thrown at them.

For those who aren’t already aware, fly-tipping is best reported using Wiltshire Council’s ‘MyWilts’ app which allows you to drop a pin on a map of the area and attach a photo.

Also when you see rubbish dumped please do not touch it. Not only is it unhygienic but if there is any suggestion that someone moved or touched anything then any prosecution will fail.