An injunction to stop the illegal dumping of waste in parkland has been obtained.

The court injunction follows legal action on Thursday, to stop the parkland being used as an illegal waste transfer station. The granting of the injunction at Bromley County Court follows an investigation into flytipping incidents where dumped rubbish has been found in St Paul’s Cray Hill Country Park and reports of burning at the same location.

In addition to existing legislative powers, the injunction gives additional legal protections, that anyone can be arrested if:

  • Entering St Paul’s Cray Hill Country Park from and/or through Star Lane Roma Traveller site, by vehicle for any purpose whatsoever.
  • Entering St Paul’s Cray Hill Country Park from and/or through Star Lane Roma Traveller site, by foot for the purpose or intended purpose of fly-tipping or depositing controlled waste, setting fires and/or burning controlled waste or burying controlled waste by any means.

Whilst investigation work is continuing, evidence of flytipping in St Pauls Cray Hill Country Park showed that waste was being dumped by unknown vehicles, with some of this waste then being burnt. The investigation also concluded that the vehicles were being driven onto the country park via a particular plot situated on the Star Lane Roma Traveller site.

A council spokesperson said, “We will use all legal tools available to stop flytipping and this court injunction significantly increases the legal protections for this precious site. It is serious matter, with our investigation continuing currently and the council’s legal action designed to bring the illegal fytipping and burning to a stop, including those using vehicles in the park as well.”

The order remains in force until 24 October 2025 unless before then it is revoked by a further order of the court.

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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.

Published: 21st November 2024