A Facebook post by an Abercwmboi councillor condemning fly-tipping has prompted renewed questions over whether Rhondda Cynon Taf Council applies the same standards to itself as it does to members of the public.
The councillor shared photographs of rubbish dumped in a lane behind the Abercwmboi Social Club, warning that those responsible would eventually be identified and fined.
IS THIS YOUR RUBBISH DUMPED IN THE LANE BEHIND THE SOCIAL CLUB ABERCWMBOI !!! IT’S ONLY A MATER OF TIME BEFORE YOU ARE CAUGHT AND FINED..
DO ANYONE HAVE ANY CTV OF THIS BEING TRANSPORTED FROM THE MAIN ROAD, WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY LAST WEEK..
IT WILL BE IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIAL..
CLLR JULIE COOK B.E.M
Image Fly Tipping Abercwmboi
Few would disagree that illegal dumping damages communities, costs taxpayers money and should be tackled. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has made fly-tipping enforcement a high priority, stating that it is one of Wales’ leading authorities for prosecutions and regularly reminding residents that offenders face fines and court action.
However, local campaigners argue that the Council should be held to the same standard when waste under its own responsibility is involved.
One of the main concerns relates to the Ynys area, where campaigners say tarmacadam construction waste was washed into the Cwmbach Wetlands. They claim the material has remained despite requests for it to be removed, raising concerns about the impact on the local environment.
Further questions have also been raised about Aberdare Cemetery. Campaigners allege that waste generated during monumental masonry work has been buried within the cemetery rather than removed to a licensed waste facility. They argue that a public cemetery should never be used as a place to dispose of construction waste and are calling for an independent investigation into the matter.
Photographs from the three locations — the fly-tipping in Abercwmboi, the tarmacadam at Ynys and the alleged waste disposal within Aberdare Cemetery — highlight what campaigners describe as an inconsistency in the Council’s approach.
The issue is not whether fly-tippers should be prosecuted. Most residents agree that those who illegally dump waste should be held accountable. The question being asked is whether public authorities should be expected to meet the same environmental standards they enforce against others.
Campaigners are calling on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to respond publicly to the concerns, explain how the waste at the Ynys and Aberdare Cemetery has been managed, and clarify whether all waste disposal has complied with environmental legislation.
The Council has consistently stated that there is “never an excuse” for fly-tipping and that it will use all available powers to hold offenders accountable.
Residents now say the same principle should apply equally, regardless of whether the waste has been dumped by an individual, a contractor or the local authority itself.
Editor’s note: The concerns regarding the Ynys site and Aberdare Cemetery reflect allegations and claims made by local campaigners. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council should be given the opportunity to respond to these allegations before any conclusions are drawn.
The councillor was asked to respond, but AberdareOnline did not receive a response. https://www.facebook.com/groups/814989990183896
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