COUNCILLORS have had enough of the flytipping issues that is plaguing their town.

Cllr Mike Evans, of Shotton town council, has called for covert cameras across the area's hotspots to help deal with the issue.

He said: "It's very frustrating. In fairness to Streetsene they remove rubbish as soon as I report it. I thank the officers but it's every other day now. It seems to be in the same places all the time.

"If I see a brick wall I will knock it down if I think I'm right - and I do think I'm right on this.

"I've been a councillor for eight years and I have been reporting flytipping for near enough the same amount of time.

"I do feel if we have cameras we will catch and fine them but would they move outside the route of the camera?

"I've lived in Shotton all my life and it's gotten worse over the years. As soon as you put one bag there others will start."

The Leader has previously reported that Flintshire Council officers took to the streets of Shotton in a bid to educate people while the cameras where being processed.

However, Cllr Evans said this would not help the issue.

He added: "It's degrading the area. The majority of residents are law abiding and part of the community. It's ruining it for them.

"Then you get people saying Shotton has gone down hill and they want to move somewhere else.

"It's a waste of time educating people we've done that before, how much have we got to do. I don't understand what else we've got to do."

"These people are doing it and getting away with it. We've got to keep on and on and that's how we win..

"Please, if you can't dump it yourself ring up. There's always someone who can help. That's what councillors are there for to help. Don't just dump because you cant be bothered.

"I'm not excusing it but it hasn't helped the local skips have shut. Dock road was convenient and since it closed in October it has increased."

The councillor told the Leader that he has seen everything dumped on the streets from kitchen appliances to double beds and mattresses.

He said: "You name it, whatever is in a house, I'll see it dumped on the street.

"I think the cameras will help it vastly but I don't think honestly it's going to stop it completely, but it will be a damn site better.

"It's idleness and attitude - they haven't got the same morals as I was brought up with."

The town council has called for cameras to be placed in the hotspot areas which include Butler Street, Victoria Road and King George Street carpark.

A local resident who lives opposite a fly-tipping hotspot, said more needs to be done to keep the area tidy.

The resident, who does not want to be named, said: "If you're looking to sell your house or have people around it's not fair.

"The bin men are told what they can and can't take but it doesn't help us, especially with the weather lately.

"It's not fair on the kids or pets either, especially when syringes are being left there. That's unacceptable.

"I've lived here for over 30 years and it's gone worse. To be fair on the local councillors they are battling on but they're battering their heads against a wall. I can't ever see it stopping unless you make an example out of them.

"The area has gone down hill and there are people in Shotton that need Flintshire Council's help to get it sorted."

However, the issue is not just confined to Shotton.

Cllr Andy Dunbobbin, of Connah's Quay, has been taking part in a variety of litter picks in a bid to keep his area clean.

He said: "There has been a massive improvement in the area but it doesn't mean we stop there. I've been more than happy working with residents to take things further.

"Following on from the Blue Planet series and seeing the effects of plastics it's a massive topic. It emphasises how important the environment is and educating our youngsters and maybe some adults as well."

The Leader has previously reported that hundreds of bags of litter was collected during the Quay Spring Clean - held in March - which is hoped to become an annual event.

Hotspot areas were targeted in a bid to keep the green spaces tidy, including Wepre Park and Golftyn.

Steve Jones, Chief Officer Streetscene and Transportation said: "Flintshire County Council is in the process of upgrading its overt camera equipment and has agreed with Shotton Town Council that this mobile equipment will be placed initially in the Shotton area to help tackle the fly-tipping issues currently being experienced in the area.

"This equipment will be mounted in plain sight, and located across the County as needs dictate."