A BUSINESS owner is hoping Review readers may be able to name and shame the owners of a huge pile of rubbish that was dumped in his car park last week, and is offering a reward for information that leads to a prosecution.

Chris Turney, who runs children’s activity centre Dick Whittington Park in Longhope, arrived at work last week (Monday, June 11) to discover the fly-tipped waste, and says this is the second time it has happened this year.

He is offering £250 for information that leads to a prosecution.

Chris told the Review: “It looks like it’s mainly garden refuse. Probably someone has paid money in good faith to have this rubbish remo- ved. They’ve employed someone they thought was genuine and then that person has dumped it here.

“The police won’t get involved as this is private property and neither will the district council, for the same reason.

“I’ve tried to track down some of the material and have traced some to a building supplier in Staverton, which will probably be where the items were originally sourced. After that, the trail has gone cold.

“If anyone recognises the material, I’d be grateful if they can get in touch. If it leads to a prosecution, we’re offering a reward.

“The police have advised us to install security cameras and we’re in the process of doing so now, but it’s disgusting and is going to cost us a lot of money to deal with.”

A spokesperson for the Forest Council said: “If rubbish is dumped on our land we deal with it. If it’s dumped on a public highway, it’s the responsibility of Gloucestershire County Council and if it’s on Forestry Commission land it’s up to them to dispose of it.

“The number of fly-tipping incidents in the Forest of Dean is decreasing each year, which is because of the direct link to the proactive work the council is doing to tackle the problem.

“All incidents of fly-tipping that are reported are investigated by the council’s street warden team.

“Any evidence which contains markers or addresses is appropriately seized. Where sufficient evidence exists, appropriate interventions are made in accordance with the council’s enforcement protocol.

“As a result of such investigations authorised staff can issue fixed penalty notices, simple cautions, carry out duty of care inspections and undertake prosecutions,” the spokesperson added.

More information can be found at www.gov.uk/report-flytipping

If you have any information about the waste found at Dick Whittignton Park, please contact Chris Turney on 01452 831000.