FLY-TIPPING in Cogan is becoming a health hazard to local people and fuelling anti-social behaviour, according to a resident.

Henry Nicholson, from Penarth, says the problem has escalated over the past two years to the point where he has taken it upon himself to take car-loads of rubbish to the tip.

While the latest build up – spread across Cogan Park, Agnes Street, Harriet Street and Cawnpore Street – has now been cleared by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Mr Nicholson is concerned at the problem’s ongoing nature.

“I’ve taken car loads to the tip from Cogan Park and even bought a litter picker and bag holder to do regular litter picking,” said Mr Nicholson.

“Every few weeks I collect several bin bags full.”

Mr Nicholson adds that his latest discovery last weekend was an abandoned carpet near to Cogan Nursery School, covered in dog faeces.

“This has gone too far. It’s right where children play,” he added.

“Something has to be done.”

Mr Nicholson says that the build-up of rubbish over the past couple of years has corresponded with what he believes has been a rise in anti-social behaviour in the area.

“It seems the whole of the Cogan area is becoming a rubbish dump,” he said.

He claims that he has witnessed young people smoking drugs and throwing cans of energy drink in the hedges in the park.

“It’s a total mess in there,” he said.

Colin Smith, Vale council operational manager for visible services and housing, said: “We were made aware that fly-tipping had taken place and this waste has since been removed.

“The council’s enforcement officers have scheduled random patrols of the area and any further incidents of this nature will be investigated.

“Fly-tipping is a crime and anyone found to be committing this type of offence could face serious consequences.”

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