It is fly-tipping in Shropshire on a scale that is hardly believable.
This is land owned by Network Rail in Telford, a disused railway line that has become an unofficial dumping ground.
Teddy bears, food packaging and even family photos cover the pathways off the A4169, near Horsehay.
The rubbish continues as far as the eye can see, a mountain that would have taken dozens of lorry loads to fill.
Today police and the Environmental Agency said it is investigating to find out where the mountain of trash has come from so that they can find those responsible. That means searching through the rubbish for clues, including addresses on discarded bills.
The track is near to a signal box run by Telfords Steam Railway, although the line itself is maintained by National Rail.
Simon Masters, a spokesman for the company, said flytipping causes a great amount of misery.
Network Rail is supporting the various authorities investigating these incidents of fly-tipping to establish the circumstances surrounding them and who is responsible, he said.
The investigation is currently ongoing so it would not be appropriate to comment further on these incidents.
However, fly-tipping may appear to be a victim-less crime, but it isnt. It causes a great amount of misery to those who live nearby as well as costing the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds in clean-up costs.
Paul Hughes, chairman of the Telford Steam Railway, said it was during a routine inspection that he and his colleagues came across the mess.
Theres not a lot of flytipping in the area, but someones obviously just seen it as a quiet opportunity and have gone for it.
It has to be a commercial activity. This isnt someone dumping a bit of rubbish or just clearing their garage out theres tons and tons of it.
When we found it, I had a quick look through and it must have been dropped by a proper refuse vehicle. It was the middle of winter and it stunk there was literally steam coming off it.
Shropshire has some beautiful country lanes. With sofa beds dumped in them. Or other dumped items which somebody, somewhere, cant be bothered to dispose of properly.
You can see some of the latest examples of this rural blight in pictures we carry today.
A disused railway line at Horsehay in Telford is taking on the appearance of a council rubbish tip. What would otherwise be a pleasant area of paths among trees is being destroyed by a mountain of trash. The land is owned by Network Rail, which is the immediate victim of this anti-social behaviour.
Paul Hughes, chairman of the Telford Steam Railway attraction not far away, who came across the mess during a routine inspection with his colleagues, says the dumping is on such a scale that it has to be a commercial activity, and he thinks it must have been dropped by a proper refuse vehicle.
If he is right, it elevates this dumping up the scale of seriousness. It is not a lazy slob or two, which would be bad enough, but potentially corporate crime on an industrial scale.
There is a double cost. The first is that it ruins the countryside. The second is the cost of clearing it all up, which ultimately falls back on the public.
So what is to be done? Making an appeal to the better nature of the culprits will probably not work. If they do not care what anybody thinks about what they do, they are not going to care about appeals to them to stop what they are doing.
What they do care about is exposure to public contempt and being hit in the pocket hard, as presumably a lot of the motivation in dumping the stuff in the first place was it was a cheaper and easier option.
The anger and condemnation directed towards those responsible has to be backed up by a serious attempt to detect them and bring them to book. As what they are doing takes place in areas which are quiet, and so there are not likely to be witnesses, the difficulty in catching the dumpers is apparent.
But surely there must be some people who have their suspicions, and the dumped material is itself evidence which may give the culprits away in some cases.
It is a chronic problem but a few cases of bringing people to court in high-profile prosecutions might make some offenders think that responsible disposal is the best option after all.
Paul said that it was disgusting that the cost of the clean-up would now have to be picked up by Network Rail. If the Telford Steam Railway had acquired the track as they plan to, it could have easily been them footing the bill.
This is a completely different scale to anything you usually see, he said.
Network Rail will end up footing the bill for that, but it could have been us. Were trying to negotiate taking over that line, and it could have been us at the charity having to pay to tidy it up. This isnt a victimless crime.
It would have been a significant amount of the charitys funds to clear it through as well.
While the flytipping wont cause any problems for the Steam Railways plans to expand the line down to Doseley, the volunteers have been told to stay away from the area for the time being.
Instead their focus will remain on next years Polar Express event, a follow-up to the hugely successful Christmas show they held for the first time in 2016.
Paul said: Were very deep into planning for this years Polar Express. Tickets will go on sale very shortly.
There have been a number of large incidents of flytipping over the last few months, including an eight-tonne pile of rubble on Back Lane, near Newport.
In the early hours of the morning, a car crashed into the industrial mess, but was luckily unhurt.
Earlier this year, figures revealed that Shropshires two main councils had not issued any fines for fly-tipping since they were given new powers for on the spot penalties.
Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council represent more than half the English local authorities who responded to a Freedom of Information request that had not used the powers which allow them to issue fixed penalty notices for smaller cases of fly-tipping.
Shropshire Council said many individuals have received written warnings for various environmental crimes when witnessed by council officers and that fixed penalty notices would only be issued after further investigation.
Telford & Wrekin Council said it had issued scores of fines for littering and dog fouling over the past year and would look to make use of the new legislation for fly-tipping over the coming months.
Read the original here:
Teddy bears, food packaging and family photos: The huge illegal ... - shropshirestar.com
- Not Victimless: Understanding the harmful effects of ... [Last Updated On: December 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 10th, 2016]
- State crime - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 10th, 2016]
- Types of Crimes - Overview and Discussion [Last Updated On: December 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 31st, 2016]
- Victimless Crime Constitutes 86% of The Federal Prison ... [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- Arizona and California Auto Insurance Fraud Busts - Claims Journal - Claims Journal [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Police aim to prevent prostitution, human trafficking - Woburn Daily Times [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Campaigners say Rabobank should face trial for 'crimes against ... - DutchNews.nl [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Meth arrests, seizures surge in Bowling Green | News | bgdailynews ... - Bowling Green Daily News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- 7 arrested for auto insurance fraud scheme - KESQ [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Bitcoin, Stop Apologizing for Victimless Crime - Nigeria Today [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Perfectionism Is Insanity And Impossible To Accomplish - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Family of Collision Repair Shop Owners Allegedly Scammed Insurers Out of $560000 - BodyShop Business [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- High rates of parental incarceration among African-Americans means that criminal justice reform is now education reform - USAPP American Politics and... [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Owners of Seven California Collision Repair Shops Allegedly Scammed Insurers Out of $560000 - BodyShop Business [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Cop Block Founder Ademo Freeman Arrested in Ohio for Drug Trafficking/Possession VIDEO - Free Keene [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Hinds County and Morton police team up on 11 drug arrests - Jackson Clarion Ledger [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- 3 juveniles sentenced for starting fire at MCDI in Springfield - wwlp.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Hadi's Bill opens doors for disproportionate punishments, constitutional expert says - Malay Mail Online [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Call to tackle rural crime as farmers 'soft targets' | UTV - ITV News - ITV News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Open letter to MPs on Hadi's Bill - Malay Mail Online [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Law enforcement, advocacy groups work to stop sex trafficking in the Fox Valley - WGBA-TV [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Malaysia: Hundreds of thousands expected to join mass rally calling for greater Syariah laws - Asian Correspondent [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Rural crime figures are a concern - Farming Life [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- 'Simply unacceptable': Northern Irish farmers remain soft targets for ... - FarmingUK [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- What People Are Saying About Homeland Security's Plan to Crack Down on Immigrants - Phoenix New Times [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Stubbing out illegal cigarettes will help plug SA's budget deficit - Business Day (registration) [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Your tip sheet: No sanctuary - Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- A Map of Corruption in France - Big Think [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Inside The Quiet, Prophetic Politics Of Theologian C.S. Lewis - The Federalist [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- JAILED: Drug and gambling addict brought misery to train passengers - Eastwood Advertiser [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Drug addict Lucas Niewiem had cannabis farm above child's bedroom AND stole railway cable - Derby Telegraph [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Jewish community rallies against anti- Semitic attacks - San Diego Jewish World [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Efficiency And Effectiveness: Our Approach To Primary Markets - Speech By Christopher Woolard, Executive Director ... - Exchange News Direct [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- With few safeguards, Jewish cemeteries make easy targets for vandals - Jweekly.com [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Number of suspected child sex offenders in Bedfordshire almost ... - Bedfordshire News [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Philadelphia unions offer to repair vandalized Jewish cemetery - Arutz Sheva [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Breastfeeding bills aim to help children of incarcerated mothers - NMPolitics.net [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- John Klar: Scott plays both sides in marijuana debate - vtdigger.org [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Families of victims of Colombia's paramilitaries get their day in US court - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Preserving stories from Mt. Carmel - South Philly Review [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Legislature should ensure juries know their options - St. George Daily Spectrum [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- How to End the War on Cops and Restore our Liberties at the Same Time - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Museum collects stories to show vandalized gravestones are more than just toppled rock - Newsworks.org [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- The Sessions Scandal Exposes the Racist Double Standard of Trump's 'Law and Order' - AlterNet [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Feelings of vulnerability fomenting among local Jewish community ... - fox2now.com [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- For Democrats, How Many American Victims Are Enough? - Townhall [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- How to Reverse Incarceration in Louisiana: Thirteen Steps to Stop Being First in Being Last - Common Dreams [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- Welch State Police Detachment welcomes new commanders - Bluefield Daily Telegraph [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- Legislature boosts penalties for prostitution-related crimes - Deseret News [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- This VOICE tells racist lies - Socialist Worker Online [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2017]
- Wisconsin Veterinarian sentenced 4 years for labor, sex trafficking - Woodbury Bulletin [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2017]
- Stop looking at child abuse online - get help now - Falkirk Herald - Falkirk Herald [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Convenience stores count the cost of retail crime - Talking Retail - Talking Retail [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Groton man who robbed Old Lyme bank on a bike sentenced to five years - theday.com [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2017]
- Robert King sobs as he's spared jail for possessing thousands of images of child abuse - Somerset Live [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- LA councilman targets 'knock-knock' burglars with $50,000 reward - LA Daily News [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Vehicle covered with anti-Muslim slurs in Rundle; police say hateful ... - Calgary Herald [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- At Issue: Should Cobb County consider uniform public comment rules? - Atlanta Journal Constitution [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Spend tax dollars on addiction wisely - Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Jeff Sessions & David Shapiro & the Rule of Law | National Review - National Review [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- Schenectady man sentenced to 7 years in prison for child porn - Albany Times Union [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Making Whitefish best it can be - The Missoulian [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Letter: Judges should get say in drug sentencing - Times Herald-Record [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Allison Hanes: Disgrace is the deterrent for Applebaum - Montreal Gazette [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- Independent business owners thank police and the ECHO for ending burglary "epidemic" - Liverpool Echo [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- Hertfordshire Copp family jailed for 27 years for 45 million payroll tax fraud - Hertfordshire Mercury [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2017]
- Police hunting rail cable thieves who caused travel disruptions in Sheffield - The Star [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2017]
- Alleged Yahoo hacker Karim Baratov will stay in jail as he awaits extradition hearing - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2017]
- Rockland's chief detective retiring after 45 years investigating murders, corruption - The Journal News / Lohud.com [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2017]
- Accused hacker will remain in custody after appeal of bail decision ... - CP24 Toronto's Breaking News [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2017]
- The extent to which a state should exist - Being Libertarian [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2017]
- Man gets 8 years for pandering - Martins Ferry Times Leader [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- Child porn, prostitution sting nets 4 | News, Sports, Jobs - Leader ... - Gloversville Leader-Herald [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- Rebel With a Cause: The One Conservative Who Voted For Legal Pot - Marijuana.com [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- Students For Liberty's Ethan Pritchard wants students to have carry-conceal on campus - Rare.us [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Crash That Killed Chehalis Motorcyclist - Centralia Chronicle [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Sporting clubs devastated by senseless vandalism - Coffs Coast Advocate [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Man had indecent images of children on his mobile phone - South Wales Argus [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Cwmbran man had 132 indecent images of children on his mobile ... - South Wales Argus [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- Stolen vehicles in Pueblo contribute to higher insurance rates - Pueblo Chieftain [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]