Flytipping sqaud set to start

7:48am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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A NEW rapid-response team should be up and running in Southend by September to combat flytippers.

A food recycling scheme is also to be introduced, as part of the new contract agreed with Southend Council's waste disposal operator, Cory Environmental.

The new contract will run for seven years, starting on Monday, September 29.

Ian Robertson, councillor responsible for public protection, said new vehicles would be fitted with radios, so they could respond quickly to reports of dumped rubbish. He added: "We have about a dozen hotspots in the town, where rubbish is dumped.

"This system will mean when the contractor is informed of flytipping, the nearest vehicle can be dispatched there quickly."

Mr Robertson said the new anti-flytipping squad was one of a number of innovations incorporated into the new contract.

"The great thing about this contract is it is actually cheaper than the previous one," he said.

"The company has targets which it is committed to reaching, including a target of 60 per cent recycling of waste in seven years."

Under the contract, there will also be an improved cleaning service in the High Street and along the seafront.

The food waste collection service tried out successfully in parts of the borough last year and will now be extended across the whole of Southend.

Cory will also take over the running of council tips in Stock Road, Southend, and Two Tree Island, Leigh.