THE Globe's exclusive story this week of debris from a ripped out kitchen being fly-tipped in Bebington cemetery has sparked a warning from the council to beware of rogue traders.

Among the rubbish left near graves was an oven hob, drawers full of kitchen tiles, floorboards, black bin-bags and even a sink unit.

We were alerted to the fly-tipping by our readers Joan and Ron Broadbent, both in their 60s and from Heswall, who were visiting Town Lane Cemetery on Sunday afternoon to pay respects to their loved ones who are buried there.

After we sent pictures to the local authority asking for comment, a disposal team was dispatched at once to clear the rubbish-strewn walkways.

The council's environment chief said it was "an appalling act of environmental vandalism and an affront to grieving relatives visiting the cemetery."

But she says it was a reminder as well of responsibilities householders have for making sure items they need to get rid of are disposed of properly.

Councillor Bernie Mooney, cabinet member for environment, said many don’t realise that if they want to pay someone to come and collect their waste they need to choose wisely as they could end up remaining liable for where their waste ends up even after it has been collected.

Rogue traders are looking to make easy money by collecting unwanted items at cheaper rates than legitimate operators - but they then fly-tip them rather than dispose of them properly.

If this happens it is the householder who could face prosecution and be liable for a hefty fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record.

Councillor Mooney said today: “This is a real issue.

"People are naturally keen to seek the best possible price when it comes to paying someone to take away unwanted bulky items in their van or truck.

"However they need to be aware it could end up proving a really costly mistake to make unless they make the necessary checks on the people they employ.

“If you are getting rid of any waste, be that garden waste, any old household items such as a sofa, mattress or washing machine or just extra bags of rubbish, you need to check that the company you are using is a registered waste carrier."

She added: “Unlicensed waste carriers are more likely to cut corners and fly-tip, which is why they can offer lower prices unfairly undercutting legitimate businesses who take their environmental responsibilities seriously.

“Not only are they avoiding their responsibility and charges for the proper disposal of waste, but by fly-tipping your waste they are leaving an unsightly mess and causing additional costs to the council or private landowners who have to clear up after them.”

There are steps readers can take to protect themselves when disposing of household waste:

  • Use one of the many responsible waste carrier businesses in Wirral - or the council’s ERIC collection service
  • Always ask to see their Waste Carriers Licence. They should carry either a copy of the certificate or a credit card style ID card
  • Ask them where your waste will be taken
  • Get a proper receipt or invoice
  • Take their vehicle registration number. If your waste is found dumped the more information you have about who took your waste the better. This will enable the council to investigate who has dumped the rubbish.