Environmental Rangers

They are the eyes and ears of the council, the frontline staff who work on the ground where it really matters.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council's Environmental Rangers have a number of responsibilities - and one of them is to ensure that waste is disposed of properly.

The Yarmouth Rangers - Paul Shucksmith, Miguel Fish and Pauline McConnachie
As well as combating flytipping, the Yarmouth Rangers - Paul Shucksmith, Miguel Fish and Pauline McConnachie - have among their duties dealing with abandoned cars and littered streets.

John Hemsworth, head of Environmental and Health at the council, said: "The role of the rangers is to show that we can work together with the public to combat problems such as fly-tipping.

"Among other activities, the Rangers are there to respond to complaints and to enforce legislation by ensuring we prosecute anyone found to be breaking the law."

Fly-tipping is the unauthorised dumping of waste. It is antisocial, potentially dangerous, ugly and unacceptable. It damages the environment and council tax payers have to meet the cost of clearing it up.

"Fly-tipping is a crime and those found to be offending can be sent to prison and fined up to £50,000," said John Hemsworth.

"The general public is urged to report any fly-tipping they see and the rangers will investigate immediately."

As well as combating flytipping, the Yarmouth Rangers - Paul Shucksmith, Miguel Fish and Pauline McConnachie - have among their duties dealing with abandoned cars and littered streets.

Overall, their role is to actively seek the improvement of the environment.

Pauline explained: "Much of our job is about education, talking to people and offering them advice and guidance. We work in partnership with schools, the police, voluntary groups and resident associations."

Being a Ranger is far from a nine to five job, she continued. As well as frequent evening meetings with residents there are sometimes also early morning and late night "stake outs".

"If we have reports of fly tipping we will investigate and sometimes that means sitting and waiting, hidden from view, at spots where we suspect fly tipping is likely to take place."

All sorts of items are dumped illegally, Pauline added. Most commonly found are old fridges, car parts, bin bags full of rubbish - all left because people can't be bothered to, or don't want to, get rid of them properly and safely.

"I think it is important that there are rangers out there dealing with problems like this," said Pauline. "I certainly enjoy the aspect of my job that sees me working with the public. It is an interesting job and the education side of it is extremely important."

Remember

  • If you see fly-tipping report it immediately. Make a note of dates, times and vehicles if you see it happening and contact your District Council or Borough Council.

  • Only use reputable waste disposal companies.

  • Ask to see a Waste Carriers Licence and where the waste is to be disposed of. If in doubt, check with the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.

  • Beware of anyone who offers to get rid of your waste on the cheap – they may be going to fly tip it.