A fridge has been left dumped outside a house for three years – as a pile of ‘disgusting’ fly-tipping grows.
The mountain of waste in Newcombe Road has been gradually accumulating, much to the disdain of residents.
More rubbish was added to the extensive pile at the weekend and has become an upsetting sight for many.
The Bedford Place and Polygon Residents Association (BEPORA) is working hard to improve the area but feels down by the fly-tipping.
A spokesperson from the group said: “All residents deserve to live in a safe community, and The Polygon is no different.
“Every year, our streets are abused systemically with the practice of "move out" time flooding the pathways with unwanted waste, sometimes at the explicit request of property management companies and landlords.
“BEPORA has worked tirelessly since its formation in 2021 to improve this disgusting tradition, and it is beyond upsetting to see it continue.
“While the physical fly tipping is distressing, it is the negligence that surrounds the practice that is most upsetting.
The fly-tipping can even be seen on Street View on Google Maps dating back to May 2023. (Image: Google Maps)
“This predictable practice is effectively endorsed by those who don't have to live in the area.
“It completely misrepresents the majority of residents in the neighbourhood, and the transient students who on the whole are a welcome addition to our community.”
For members of the group, forward thinking and ‘ambitious and robust’ strategies are needed to prevent incidents like this from happening.
READ MORE: 'Ridiculous' waste policy means pensioner turned away from tip
The spokesperson added: “Property management agencies and landlords need to be held accountable for profiting off the area, giving nothing back to the local community.
“We need enforcement and we need a targeted approach to supporting those who take pride in Southampton and can see the potential in it.”
Google Street View images from May 2023 show the fridge and part of a sofa outside the house.
BEPORA is working to offer litter picks in the area, refurbishing the area’s playground, and establishing a community garden to improve this part of Southampton.
Speaking on the fly-tipping, Cllr Eamonn Keogh said: “We were made aware of the fly-tip on the morning of Monday, May 20 and understand the waste was left there over the weekend."
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