Is Newcastle a dead and decaying town? – [WATCH]

Newcastle’s evergrowing issues with waste management are certainly causing quite a stink in town.

This is according to some residents, who have been vocal in their upset over the illegal dumping of building materials, garden refuse and even human waste, in some areas of town.

These areas are so littered with heaps of rubbish, it has sparked concerns over potential hazards such as fire, health complications and pollution of the town’s waterways.

“The dumping is occurring all over the town and is becoming a serious issue. What is Newcastle coming to?’’ questioned local environmentalist, Angus Burns.

In the majority of the areas where illegal dumping is taking place, it happens discreetly and completely out of sight, possibly to avoid law enforcement, and this scourge is said to be caused by irresponsible citizens.

Dumpsites have increased in number and are popping up in residential areas such as Signal Hill, as well as spots like the town’s cemetery on Hardwick Street.

Residents are also turning to disposing their waste on private pieces of land.

These dumping areas have shown evidence of becoming a haven for criminal activity and vagrancy in the surrounding areas too.

Items of clothing, broken bottles and illegal substances can be found scattered all over the ground.

While accompanying a Newcastle Advertiser reporter to a few ‘dumping sites’, Burns asked: “Are we turning Newcastle into a dead and decaying town?”

According to the by-laws issued by the Newcastle Municipality:

‘No person shall dump, deposit, discharge, spill or release waste in any illegal way.’

For the full story pick up a copy of the latest edition of the Newcastle Advertiser.

ALSO READ: The utter devastation of illegal dumping

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