A CCTV camera installed to tackle persistent fly-tipping has been stolen.
The camera was put on land off Highergate Road and Burnley Lane, Huncoat earlier this year to catch perpetrators.
It was discovered missing more than two weeks ago by Huncoat ward councillor Dave Parkins who had the device installed in July.
Coun Parkins, who also paid for the camera, said he was livid to learn it was gone. He said: “I am very hacked off about it. I bought the camera to stop fly-tipping and someone has ripped it from the post and taken it.
“We installed it to stop fly-tipping in the area because it has been a problem and it’s something we want to see stopped”
Coun Parkins told last month’s meeting of the Huncoat Neighbourhood Management Board that the camera had helped to alleviate the fly-tipping situation during the summer months with no incidents recorded.
Coun Parkins added: “I have already made enquiries about getting a new one. I won’t give up on this.
“The first camera obviously worked so we can only hope another one will have the same impact.”
Coun Nick Whittaker said he feared the fly-tipping problem could worsen again without the camera.
He said: “Fly-tipping will return and we need something more substantial to eliminate the problem if the camera can removed this easily. It’s common-place so it needs to be monitored by police on a regular basis.
“It’s the tax-payer who has to pay to clean up fly-tipped waste which isn’t right.”
