A BARRIER system suggested by local litter pickers to block off a blighted brook and stop it becoming a “dumping ground” for fly tippers has been rejected by Bolton Council.

The newly-formed Doe Hey Litter Pickers have called on local authority to “engage their brains” and install a fire gate or road closure on Greenland Road to “stamp out” environmental vandalism and save money on cleaning up costs.

This comes as bags of rubbish and other litter are regularly spotted on the green embankment where four fly tips have been identified in recent weeks.

Around eight bags were dumped overnight just this week underneath CCTV cameras which are supposed to prevent fly tipping and help catch the culprits.

Executive cabinet member for environmental regulatory services, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said the council shares the frustrations of the Doe Hey Litter Pickers – but she said their solution is not “feasible”.

She said: “Fly tipping is a reckless crime that blights our public spaces and damages the environment.

“The majority of our residents are responsible citizens but unfortunately there is a minority who behave irresponsibly.

“We are aware of the latest incident of fly tipping and a contractor will be removing it for us. Any evidence found will be used to track down the perpetrators.

“A barrier system would not be feasible at this location due to access issues but we are looking into the possibility of installing permanent cameras on Greenland Road.

“The council has done everything possible at this location to combat fly tipping, and we have prosecuted numerous individuals over the years for dumping offences.

“We will continue to investigate all reports of fly tipping and we are committed to holding those responsible to account.”

Greenland Road connects to Minerva Road, a busy route leading in and out of the hospital.

Its distance is “considerable” and it because it is at the side of a school, refuse trucks would not be able to reverse on it, according to the council.

Andy Brabin, who lives in Boscobel Road, described the council’s attitude as “galling” and “frankly odd”, claiming his is a “perfectly acceptable” solution.

He said: “There is a simple solution to the problem of fly tipping at this location by blocking off Greenland by the last house before Doe Hey Brook.

“The council have claimed that a turnaround point further down on the uninhabited stretch of road is required for refuse trucks to turn around.

“This is an excuse not a reason – the refuse trucks could reverse along Greenland Road to do their collection once a week.

“If for some ludicrous reason it is true, then install a barrier that the refuse operatives have a key to so they can turnaround.”