Woolworths rubbish dumped in Cowley

A DOG walker was furious to find rubbish from collapsed store chain Woolworths dumped at a local beauty spot.

The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, was horrified to discover flytippers had reeked such havoc at Little Britain Lake in Cowley.

She said: "I was out walking my dog when I saw the rubbish. There were eight bin bags of rubbish. It's absolutely appalling because someone has been paid to rid of this and they've just dumped it. It was all over the place. They've just fly-tipped it."

The resident told the Gazette how this was the third time in a week that council workers had to be called out to dispose of dumped rubbish.

Concerns were also raised on the affect fly-tipping could have on wildlife.

She added: "It was right where people go to feed the birds and the rubbish was all going into the lake. It's disgusting."

It is believed the rubbish originated for Woolworth's Greenford branch.

The company, which has gone into administration and closed its doors for good earlier this month, was not available for comment.

Kathy Sparks, deputy director of environment and consumer protection at Hillingdon Council, said that flytipping was an arrestable offence which carries a fine up to £50,000 and six months in prison at a magistrates's court. In crown court fines may be unlimited and imprisonment extended up to five years.

She added: "The council takes all envirocrimes such as fly-tipping very seriously and investigates all incidents reported. We encourage anyone who witnesses people illegally dumping waste to the council's customer contact centre."

To report flytipping call 01895 556000, email eet@hillingdon.gov.uk or visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/streetscene