Fly-tippers dump unwanted clothes outside supermarket helping residents
Fly-tippers have targeted a supermarket that has been donating vital food supplies to vulnerable residents during lockdown.
Morrisons in Aldridge has been loading vans with food and other household essentials for distribution at community hubs throughout the borough.
But, in recent weeks the Anchor Road store has been subjected to repeated incidents of rubbish and unwanted clothing being left on its car park.
Environmental teams from Walsall Council have cleared away the latest rubbish left at the site, and are now appealing to people not to leave any items of clothing outside the recycling banks, which are not in operation at present.
Councillor Oliver Butler, portfolio holder for Clean and Green, said: “Morrisons has been very supportive in donating food for vulnerable and sheltering residents.
“It was great that we were able to help them out. After all, their different stores around Walsall have been so generous in donating food to be distributed to residents across Walsall. Their support really has gone above and beyond.
“Unfortunately, residents have continued to dump clothes around the clothes banks on the car park. These clothes banks are full and are not being collected from at the moment.
“Although residents may be well meaning and have the best of intentions, the reality of the situation is that these clothes will be dumped on the floor of the waste transfer station at Fryers Lane before being taken for incineration at Four Ashes.”
Councillor Butler urged people to hold on to any unwanted clothes until they can be donated to more worthwhile causes.
“This tipping just creates an unsightly mess and creates work nobody needs at the moment,” he added.
“The good news is that both our tips at Fryers Lane, Bloxwich, and Merchants Way, Aldridge, will be reopening this Saturday from 8am to dispose of bagged waste, bulky items and garden waste.
“However, residents should be aware that the tips are expected to be exceptionally busy, with potentially extremely long queues and reduced capacity in place to allow for the necessary social distancing measures.
“Residents will also need to bring identification proving who they are and proof of residence in Walsall,” he said.
A representative from Manor Farm Community Association in Rushall, which has been distributing supplies to families in the town’s east locality area, posted a message of thanks to Morrisons on its Facebook page.
It reads: “We are completely blown away with the generosity from Morrisons Aldridge. This wonderful donation will directly impact the east of the borough through our food parcels.”
For information on the council’s Household Waste Recyling Centres (HWRCs) visit the council's website.
