Rock climbers will have to retrieve fly-tipped rubbish
CLIMBERS will have go down the cliffs at La Prevote to retrieve the latest rubbish to be fly-tipped.
The south coast beauty spot has again been targeted, with five white, wooden doors, a broken terracotta pot and a black bag of rubbish thrown over the cliff edge.
A States spokesman, on behalf of Guernsey Waste and Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services, said the items had been dumped within the last week and would have to be retrieved by qualified rope access climbers.
‘There are always significant challenges and inevitably risk when undertaking the retrieval of rubbish down cliffs,’ they said.
‘There are steep slopes, thick and often prickly vegetation and loose stones for the climbers to contend with. There is also the risk of the unknown, as invariably there are items thrown over that are not in view from the car park and potential for objects to have broken and care taken to avoid injury to those retrieving them.’
The spokesman said the contents of the back bag would be examined in a bid to identify those responsible.
‘The cost to a householder wishing to dispose of unwanted doors is £2.50 each if dropped off at Longue Hougue waste and recycling centre, or can be collected through the States of Guernsey’s bulk refuse scheme for £15 for up to five items,’ they said.
‘Commercial companies should make their own arrangements for waste collection and disposal by utilising commercial collection contractors and commercial waste facilities.’
This was not the first time Le Prevote has been targeted by fly-tippers. In 2016, car seats were thrown over the cliff, while in 2014 the Guernsey Land Rover Club did a clear-up of the area.
In 2013, St John cliff rescue went over the cliff edge to pick up rubbish, which included wheels and an old television.
A fly-tipper was prosecuted in 2016 and fined £4,000 after pushing a van over the cliff there.
Any fly-tipping is the responsibility of the land owner under the law.
n Members of the public are asked to contact Guernsey Waste on 231234 or email recycle@gov.gg if they spot or witness fly-tipping to ensure it is dealt with by the relevant authority or for advice on what to do if it is on their land.
For more information, including charges, visit www.gov.gg/recycling and for more information on bulk refuse, go to www.gov.gg/bulkrefuse or call 231234.
