ST HELENS saw the third highest number of fly tipping incidents in the north west during the past 12 months, according to new data.

The borough saw 5,903 incidents of fly tipping investigated, with only Manchester (14,611) and Blackburn with Darwen (10,083) having higher numbers in the region.

Neighbouring Wigan borough had considerably lower levels of fly-tipping as just 1,747 incidents were actioned.

There was a 37 per cent increase in fly-tipping complaints received on social media in the north west during the last 12 months, according to the data sourced by waste management company SkipHireUK.

A total of 258 negative tweets reporting fly-tipping were published in 2019/20, up from 189 for the previous 12 months.

The data was sourced using government statistics as a base, which was then used alongside the increase or decrease in social reporting tweets to estimate the number of incidents being reported across England in 2019/20.

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Michael Taylor, general manager at SkipHire UK said: “The rise in fly-tipping incidents across the country has had a negative impact on towns, villages, and cities.

"St Helens had the third highest number of fly-tipping incidents in the North West though, so we would definitely encourage people to make sure their waste is being dealt with in a hygienic and responsible way.

“In comparison, Wigan’s figures, despite being just 10 miles down the road, were considerably lower, with only a third of cases being actioned by the local authority. There was a 37 per cent rise in negative tweets (up to 258 from 189 in 2018/19) concerning fly-tipping in the north west, the second worst in the country behind the north east.

“We would continue to encourage people to remain vigilant to illegal practices though and help their local councils by continuing to report incidents of fly-tipping.”

Based on the data collected, it is estimated that authorities will receive an additional 40,914 fly-tipping reports across the north west, indicating that the total could rise to more than 150,000 cases (152,983) for 2019/20.

Although not every incident of fly-tipping will result in fines or prosecution, it is anticipated that the value of fly-tipping fines for the region will climb to £227,680, a rise of more than £60,000 on the previous year’s total (£166,789).

The North East had the highest proportionate rise in negative tweets reporting fly-tipping, as 79 per cent more people took to social media to air their grievances. However, just 61 tweets were recorded, the lowest across all English regions.

A total of 272 tweet means the South East had the highest number of negative tweets in England, while there was a 12 per cent decrease in Greater London, from 302 tweets in 2018/19 to 265 in 2019/20.

When it comes to fines, fly-tipping proves most costly in the West Midlands, where the estimated value for 2019/20 comes in at £321,534, an £85.889.30 hike on the 2018/19 figure of £235,645.

For more information on SkipHireUK, visit skiphireuk.co.uk