Infamous Newport fly-tipping hotspot cleared at last

Hundreds of discarded tyres, old fridges and sofas, and piles of household waste have been cleared from the site in recent weeks, leaving the area almost unrecognisable.

The former LG access road, in Coedkernew on the city's western edge, became a haven for illegal fly-tippers after it fell into disuse. There was so much rubbish dumped there that it could be seen clearly from space, on Google Maps satellite images.

But the site, which had been branded a "national embarrassment" in the Senedd by two local representatives, is now clear – and cameras will remain in place in case any illegal fly-tippers return.

Then and now: This spot was a dumping ground for old sofas, mattresses and bedframes, but now it is spotless. Pictures taken in March 2021 and October 2021

“It is sad that we had to undertake this work because of the selfishness and irresponsibility of fly-tippers," said Cllr Roger Jeavons, Newport City Council's cabinet member for city services.

“However, now that the road has been cleared, we will continue to use CCTV to monitor it and will take measure to deal with anyone who deposits waste at this location.

"Previous enforcement action has included fixed penalty notices, prosecutions and seizure of vehicles."

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Then and now: Thousands of old tyres were dumped along the 'road to nowhere' but now it is clear. Pictures taken in March 2021 and October 2021

The clean-up operation comes after two Cardiff men, who were caught illegally dumping waste on the site, were prosecuted and fined at Newport Magistrates’ Court.

The council has also issued a further five fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping offences and seized two vehicles involved in offences.

CCTV cameras now monitor the 'road to nowhere' to deter any further fly-tipping.

“I would remind residents that if they employ someone to dispose of their waste they have a legal responsibility to ensure that person or company are registered as a waste carrier," Cllr Jeavons said.

“We will continue to operate a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone who fly-tips anywhere in the city and we will take action against them if we have the evidence.”

The council awarded the clean-up contract to Newport-based GD Environmental, which removed tyres and hazardous waste from the site before taking away and sorting the rest, so that recyclable materials could be recovered.

Then and now: Piles of household waste and tyres, but the same spot is now clear of fly-tipping. Pictures taken in March 2021 and October 2021.

Despite its troubled history, the access road is flanked by trees in a peaceful area on the city's outskirts, and the sounds of birdsong as you walk along the road is a reminder that nature is not too far away.

Cllr Jeavons said he hoped the clearance work marked a new beginning for the 'road to nowhere'. A local community group, Friends of the Road to Nature, is working with the council on plans to further improve the area now that the clearance work has finished.

“We will support local groups who have ‘adopted’ the area and, together with partners, will support the development of a sustainable bio-diversity project to bring back the natural beauty and wildlife habitats," Cllr Jeavons said.