Local resident makes passionate plea for help catching persistent fly-tippers in her neighbourhood, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Fly-tipping in Ponders End — Fly-tipping in Northfield Road, Ponders End

A Ponders End resident is calling for one of Enfield Council’s mobile CCTV cameras be installed at a “fly-tipping hotspot”.

Since April last year, 13 re-deployable CCTV cameras have been in use at different locations around the borough as part of the council’s aim to reduce fly-tipping.

Jane Telfer, a resident of Chester Gardens in Ponders End, has requested a camera be deployed to address the issue in her neighbourhood where she says fly-tipping is rife.

She said the biggest problem area was along Northfield Road, which Chester Gardens adjoins, between the Suffolk Road and Norfolk Road junctions where fly-tipping takes place around two or three times a week.

Describing the persistent fly-tipping as “depressing”, Jane said she believed the spot was appealing to litterers because only the gable ends of nearby houses overlook it.

She said the fly-tipping was most often “domestic waste” and included “open carrier bags of kitchen waste, soiled nappies, and used sanitary products”.

Jane claimed it was so severe it meant people didn’t walk on that side of the pavement.

She said: “They [the council] constantly get battered on social media about fly-tipping. Personally I find [when incidents are reported] they’re very responsive, they come and take away the bulk.”

But Jane added: “I would love a CCTV camera, the only way these people are going to be caught and put off from doing this is if there are cameras in the area.”

She said local councillors had been responsive and when she enquired with them was told the collection van would be sent round “extra times”.

But Jane says a camera is the “only way” to have a “long-term” solution.

“This affects the quality of life for all the people who live in the street, all of us if we walk out of our houses have to walk in that direction. We’re embarrassed to invite friends or family to come to our homes.”

Enfield Council has been approached for comment.

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