Swansea Council, South Wales Police and other partners are stepping up efforts to stop illegal waste burning at Gypsy and Traveller sites in the Llansamlet area.
The new measures build on action already taken by the council, South Wales Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Natural Resources Wales. This has included legal notices, abatement notices and a court injunction secured by the council preventing the storage, transportation and burning of waste at the Ty Gwyn site.
The enforcement strategy aims to disrupt illegal waste activity at every stage, with enhanced intelligence gathering, closer monitoring of vehicle movements, targeting of the sources and supply of waste, more information sharing between agencies and consideration of additional surveillance and enforcement measures.
Council officers and legal advisers are also carrying out a fresh review of every available option, including further legal action, strengthened enforcement, eviction proceedings where appropriate and additional partnership interventions.
A Swansea Council spokesman said: “The burning of waste is completely unacceptable. Residents are right to expect action, and we want to be clear that this issue remains one of the Council’s highest priorities.
“We are taking this new action to stop the illegal movement, storage and burning of waste, protect local communities from further disruption, and restore confidence that residents can enjoy their homes and neighbourhoods without the ongoing impact of these activities.”
Explaining why there have been no prosecutions, the spokesman said: “Residents understandably want to know why there have not yet been prosecutions. The law requires evidence identifying who started or organised the burning.
“Although there is clear evidence that burning continues, identifying individuals to the standard required by the courts remains extremely difficult. Without that evidence, a prosecution is unlikely to succeed.”
A South Wales Police spokesman said: “We recognise the impact this issue is having on local residents and share their concerns. South Wales Police will continue to work alongside partner agencies to address unlawful activity, support enforcement action where appropriate and do everything within our powers to help protect local communities.”
A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Waste fires are more than just a nuisance. They can be unpredictable, pose significant risks to firefighters and communities, and release harmful smoke that can affect local people and the environment.”
A Natural Resources Wales spokesperson said: “Members of the public play a vital role in helping to protect the environment, and anyone who witnesses a pollution incident, significant environmental concern, or suspected wildlife crime is encouraged to report it to NRW’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0300 065 3000.”
