People are calling on the council to take action against fly-tipping near their homes and businesses.

Gail Laser, of High Barnet, has expressed concern over the growing amount of rubbish in an alleyway off High Street, with another starting to form on Nursery Row, just a few steps away.

She said rubbish has been piling up in an alleyway and reported the issues to High Barnet councillor David Longstaff, but at present the rubbish has not been cleared.

Mrs Laser said: “The site is getting worse and clearly being seen as a dumping ground. It is for sure a public health hazard.”

“I am amazed at the audacity of those who do this as it is in clear view of Barnet High Street”

“There are now mattresses, a sofa, food, junk and general household clearance rubbish along with large commercial waste bins and a skip.”

Cllr Longstaff confirmed that he did report the issue and explained that if it was not taken care of soon, that he would “chase it down” and make sure that action is taken, but he said the issue is complicated as much of the area is private land.

Solicitor Paul Tarbox works at Steven Dean Magac and Co, located next to the fly-tipping site, and he shared many of the same sentiments as Ms Laser.

He said: “It’s horrible.”

Mr Tarbox said he has been approached by someone from the local authority who asked him about the rubbish, but he responded that the land is not his and he is not sure who is dumping there.

He added that he believes a skip was brought in to deal with the mess after the local authority inspected, but it has since filled up and they will need another skip.

A Barnet Council spokesman said: “Keeping the borough’s streets clean and tidy is of paramount importance. We are aware of reports of fly-tipping in the alleyway and service road off Barnet High Street. The area concerned is private land.

“Our Environmental Health and Enforcement teams are aware and will be investigating this as a matter of urgency to ensure the area is cleared and restored to an acceptable condition.

“The council currently work with private land owners to ensure that they understand their legal obligations to manage their land and remove any abandoned or fly-tipped waste using a legal contractor for waste removal. 

“If anyone witnesses an incident of fly-tipping, we would ask that you please make a note of the vehicle registration number, the date and time of the incident and then call 020 8359 4600.”