Crushing the dumped car problem (From Barry And District News)

Crushing the dumped car problem

MORE than 160 vehicles have been reported as unwanted or abandoned since the launch of the Vale of Glamorgan's free collection service in June last year.

The initiative was set up by the Vale Community Safety Partnership to help alleviate the problem of abandoned vehicles which can cause a number of problems within communities.

In addition to being unsightly, the vehicles are often vandalised and set alight and their presence can make an area appear run down and unsafe.

The Partnership, which includes representatives from the Council, South Wales Police, South Wales Fire Service and local Housing Associations, see dealing with abandoned vehicles as a priority.

John Davies, commercial manager for the council's waste management department, said: "Since launching the service, there has been a significant decrease in the number of vehicles being dumped in the county which is good news for everyone."

Using this free service will also help the environment as all vehicles collected are recycled resulting in tonnes of metal, tyres and oil being recovered for re-use.