A FUNDRAISING bid has been launched to cover the cost of removing “detestable” fly tipping blighting a community.

Taunton Deane councillor, Chris Booth, hopes to raise £120 in order to remove the waste that is causing concern for residents of Allington Close, Taunton, through donations so volunteer group Link Power can remove the hazardous waste.

Somerset County Gazette:

Lib Dem Cllr Booth said: “Allington Close constantly seems to be forgotten when it comes to maintenance and care.

“After being notified by a resident that someone had committed the detestable act of fly tipping across parking spaces, I was determined to find a solution.

“After having no luck through the council, as it’s private land, nor when contacting the property maintenance company, I contacted the volunteer group Link Power, but due to some of the hazardous materials dumped, we need to raise money to have said materials removed.”

Residents believe it should not be down to them to fund the removal of the waste but as it is privately-owned land, the council has no power to remove the materials.

One resident, who wished to be anonymous, said: “We regularly get rubbish left down here, there has been furniture but it’s mostly garden rubbish.

“I have lived down here for more than 10 years and this isn’t a new issue, there are a high number of rented properties on short leases so tenants don’t keep on top of their gardens or parking area.

“It just makes the close look a mess and attracts more rubbish and doesn’t inspire others to look after there own gardens or outside area.

“What is more frustrating though is that to get rid of it legally at the tip would cost £120, which clearly whoever dumped it knew, which means no volunteers will clear it.

“Why should residents pay to dump it when when we have been stuck with it?”

FirstPort say the Allington Close buildings are not directly managed or owned by them, but are part of its ‘Property Services Demised’ portfolio.

A spokesman, said: “We are sorry that there was an issue getting through to our dedicated Customer Service team.

“We will investigate this further as we are not aware of any problems with the telephone line last week.

“Fly tipping is a real nuisance and we fully sympathise with the residents of Allington Close who are being caused upset by this.

“The block where the fly-tipping appears to be taking place is not managed by FirstPort and the freeholders do not pay a service charge to us, meaning that it is the freeholders’ responsibility to arrange for the rubbish to be removed.

“We would be happy to provide advice to residents that will assist them in arranging for it to be removed.”

To donate to the clear-up fund, log on to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/allingtoncleanup.