Reduction in fly-tipping as the ‘Cleaner Crewe’ project starts to takes effect

For years the scourge of uncontrolled fly-tipping in Cheshire East blighted many communities, both in our towns and the countryside. Around 80% of all fly tipping incidents reported are in Crewe.

The Labour-led administration committed itself to combating the issue, and the introduction of an ambitious clean-up pilot project in Crewe last year has begun to have an impact. Already, residents are saying their streets are cleaner and the number of complaints of fly-tipping being reported is going down.

The Cleaner Crewe pilot project is a partnership; involving Cheshire East Council, Crewe Town Council and Ansa. Its main aim is to deal with streets and alleyways in Crewe that have previously been blighted by unemptied and ‘contaminated’ wheelie bins and repeated fly-tipping.

Key elements are the involvement of local residents and also a greater use of enforcement powers to combat environmental crimes. Indeed, Crewe Town Council, has provided the additional funding for an extra community enforcement officer, along with supplying equipment for clean-up operations. Several successful prosecutions have resulted.

Alongside this, a project to regenerate rear alleyways also started in 2021 with 65 volunteers, residents, alley champions and Crewe Town Council’s ranger team working alongside that has cleaned-up several alleyways and put up around 350 wall brackets for flowerpots.

Councillor Steve Hogben, Labour Councillor for Crewe South, said: “This Cheshire East Council pilot project, working with the town council and involving local communities, is making real and lasting improvements.’’

Councillor James Barber, Labour Councillor for Broken Cross & Upton, said ‘’I really do hope that this excellent pilot can now be rolled-out to other neighbourhoods in Crewe and also other areas of Cheshire East, such as in Macclesfield, that are being blighted by fly-tipping, dumping and environmental crime.’’