Shameless fly-tippers strike outside Chesterfield church

The offenders have been targeting Derby Road Methodist Church in recent weeks.

MORE: 20 photos from today's NHS protest in Chesterfield - were you there?

Frank Bacon, steward and treasurer at the church, said: “Some weeks ago we suffered with a small amount of fly-tipping and the council was contacted to take it away – at a cost.

“This week more fly-tipping has taken place – this time a larger amount.

“Again the council has been contacted and we don't know how much this will cost to dispose of.

“We’re a small church which has been closed due to Covid-19.

“We are certainly not wealthy and suffering a good deal because of lack of income.

“I understand that fly-tipping has increased in these difficult times – but a small church being targeted in this way is increasing the burden on a small worshiping community.”

A Chesterfield Borough Council spokesperson said: “We clear away dumped rubbish on roadsides, on pavements and on public land.

“Landowners are responsible for removing fly-tipping from their own private land – we can provide a quote for clearing it.”

The spokesperson added: “If you see someone dumping waste, don't approach them – and don't put yourself at risk.

“Make a note of the date, time and location. Details of vehicles, registration numbers and descriptions of the people doing it are also helpful. Report the fly-tipping to us as soon as you can.

“Photos can help us with our enquiries – but don't take photos if you feel it isn't safe. Please don't remove any physical evidence from the site of the fly-tipping.”

MORE: New ‘centre of excellence’ planned for Chesterfield is ‘great boost’, town boss says

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor