Smethwick fly-tipping blitz is hailed a success

The authority cleared a site in Woodburn Road, put up fencing and installed CCTV cameras and 'you are being watched' warning signs after a spate of fly-tipping.

Allister Moorcroft, of nearby Docherty Industries, has praised the efforts of the council's environmental health team: "There has been a magnificent change to the situation in Woodburn Road. Since the new fences and the security cameras have been installed the fly-tipping has stopped."

The Black Patch area has seen 'huge illegal dumping problems', according to council chiefs.

Foundry Lane, which adjoins Woodburn Road, saw two brazen fly-tippers caught on camera back in August dumping two massive sofas by the side of the road in broad daylight.

The fly-tippers were filmed by an aggrieved resident carrying out the 'blatant' act using his dash cam.

Resident Michael Scott said at the time: "I'm sick of fly-tipping in the area.

"The council do a good job of cleaning it up but there's not much in place to prevent people. It's a blight on the community.

"There's a park at the back, Black Patch Park, where people also dump stuff. It's just ruining it for everyone."

Businessman Mr Moorcroft said recent improvements had meant workers are now coming to work without waste and rubbish being deposited in front of the premises.

"It's hard for others to understand how upsetting it is to work in an environment where arriving to work you see piles of waste and have to park between this rubbish," he added.

Mr Moorcroft said that he has been so pleased with the improvements he has told the council he would be happy to pay for a bench and seating area at the end of Woodburn Road for local people.

"I have written to the council to thank them for their efforts and I have wished them good luck in continuing to fight against fly-tipping problems," he added.

Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling said: "It is very heartening to hear from a local business that our efforts to try to solve this problem of illegal tipping in this area are now paying dividends for local people and firms.

"It has been a very big problem for local people and businesses but now, after the fencing and the cameras being installed, there has been a dramatic improvement.

"We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation because fly-tipping is a scourge across the country and is a big financial drain on the council and brings a lot of anger and distress to local people who find illegally-dumped rubbish in their streets."