Forum Topic

Dumped Bed in alleyway between Festing Road/Lower Richmond Road

Longshot - someone has dumped a full double bed (box springs, mattress, frame) in the shared locked alleyway between Festing Road and halfway down Lower Richmond Road.  I didn't do anything at first because I thought it had been stashed there before being removed, but it's been there for over two months.  It blocks the shared passageway, and is an eyesore and unhygienic.  Not looking forward to when its covered in snow.  And, of course, it means we can't use the alley as it's right by the gate.If it was you, could you please remove it?  Or (unlikely I know) you know who did dump it or have the means for removing for whoever left it - that would be good to know.  Thanks!

Ann Fox ● 2579d15 Comments

Has the council been informed?  Have you tried talking to a local councillor?  We had a minor fly tip near us (West Putney ward) and after an email (with a photo) to one of our councillors it was gone within a few days.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2579d

You might be right.  I thought it was a bit of a grey area because it's (I think) a shared common area for those of us who have a key, so wasn't sure what the Council's position was.  But I can ask!  Thanks.

Ann Fox ● 2579d

If you go onto the council website and inform them via fly tipping it will be removed.I've reported graffiti at bus stops on Putney Common and it has been removed within 24 hours twice. We have a very efficient council with these matters.

Nick Gulliford ● 2578d

It's not usually as easy with private land - so good luck.This is one of the reasons that alleys are gated - so unusual for you to have the problem seemingly coming from within your community - but maybe since nobody appeared to be bothered they didn't get around to dealing with it - and rain will have made the matter worse.

Philippa Bond ● 2577d

I don't know where you mean because Festing Road and LRR join at 90 degrees so I have no idea where the alleyway is.  The key question is: Who owns the land?  If you have a right of access across it then they need to ensure that is retained.  Ask the freeholder or management company to remove. 

Alan Sherman ● 2577d

Yes, the person who did it is someone who has a key to the gate and, to give them their due, when I contacted them they admitted it right away and apologised.  They say they will remove it, so we'll see.  I'm not entirely hopeful - and you are exactly right - the rain has made it worse - it's pretty disgusting.  Such a shame, we've lived here for 30 years and this shared alleyway has always worked well on a cooperative/common courtesy basis, and it's only recently there have been any problems.  There was a dumping incident a few months ago that I made a fuss about (and was eventually sorted), so I just assumed it couldn't be the same person again.  But it was.

Ann Fox ● 2577d

I suppose that they know about:-https://www.anyjunk.co.uk/I should have thought that a pair of boltcutters, under £20, could reduce the mattress to dustbin-size bits, and it could be taken away over a few weeks.

David Ainsworth ● 2577d

Didn't know about that.  I can pass it on.  Thanks! (Though they aren't striking me as a can-do/boltcutters type of person at the moment :-))

Ann Fox ● 2577d

The door is on Festing Road and the alleyway runs behind about a half dozen or so houses on LRR providing access to back gardens for one Festing Road house and the LRR houses who all have keys.  No separate freeholder/mamagement company involved - always been a cooperative/common courtesy thing with everyone splitting costs and taking care of the area.No one really wants to be alleyway monitor but it seems to have fallen to me this time.

Ann Fox ● 2577d

Definitely worthwhile clarifying ownership — is the land even registered at the Land registry?  A friend of mine recently got together with their neighbours and registered a similar setup for the rear access alley for their Edwardian terraces.  Admittedly the reason for this was because they found Japanese knotweed so wanted to get it sorted out before it reached the houses themselves.
So it is a private space that someone has dumped an old bed in.  Sounds like the alleyway monitor  (good term!) needs to arrange collection and disposal.  The council will collect from the street — about £20 or so.  Private firms are available too but you need to ensure they have a waste licence or you can be held liable if they dump it is someone else.

Alan Sherman ● 2577d

I suspect that if it hadn't have been rained on there is a chance that this could have been freecycled, sold on Gumtree, or freegled etc.It is now more problematic.https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling/bulky-waste-and-diy-waste-collections/bulky-waste-and-diy-waste-collection-charges/This shows the difference between the fees for residents - and the fees for landlords where there is a commercial charge.  It is the same at Household Waste & Recycling Centres - there are restrictions and costs for Commercial Waste.  These are countrywide so it is wise to check these out before attempting to deliver stuff.https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling/waste-and-recycling-centres/smugglers-way-household-waste-recycling-centre/As mentioned by David Ainsworth licensed waste carriers can be used eg www.anyjunk.co.ukAnother possible option for bulky waste could be Hippobags -  www.hippowaste.co.ukSometimes it is cheaper and easier to take advantage of the services offered by the provider of any new piece of furniture to take away the old piece.As residents with access to and using the alley maybe you might even be able to get together to share a bulky waste collection?  Maybe others have some bulky waste they would like to and need help to dispose of?  Using an unlicensed waste carrier can cause the waste to be fly-tipped (sometimes just around the corner out of your immediate sight and sometimes in your favourite beauty spots/sportsfields etc), and costs the Council ie Council Tax payers money and also encourages more fly-tipping. If it is traced back to you you can also be prosecuted.  So worth getting it right.Good luck!

Philippa Bond ● 2577d

Thank you.  Good points.I have located which neighbour dumped it (Miss Marple, c'est moi) and they say they have arranged now for it to be taken away by the council.  Supposedly today, but no sign of that yet.  Since we know now who dumped I think it should all be over to them.  Or failing that, as I believe they are renting, over to their landlord.  But who knows.  It's been a casual arrangement for decades which may need to be formalised. Whether I have the time and heart for that may be another matter.

Ann Fox ● 2577d

Thank you.  Lots of useful info - you obviously know about this stuff! As I have now located who the culprit was I think it is their responsibility to get rid of it and they say they have arranged a pick up with the council today (no sign of it yet but we live in hope.)  If it isn't picked up I will pass on the useful contacts you supplied to them or their landlord.

Ann Fox ● 2577d

I don't how easy it is to get a Council collection ie whether they fix a time and stick to it! Presumably someone will need to unlock the gate for them.The regulations have changed a lot as we try to turn all our waste in the best sort of resource possible.BTW  It can be difficult enough just agreeing a fence replacement with one neighbour nowadays so as Alan Sherman has mentioned it is definitely a good idea to check the status of the alley in order that the use of it can be maintained for all homes that back onto it - or you may suddenly find that you can't.

Philippa Bond ● 2577d

It wasn't picked up. Somehow I'm not surprised.  I've cut and pasted the advice about other services they could use and sent it to the culprit.And thank you - I am taking all your advice onboard and am going to check the status of the alley.  What worked well informally for decades may now need a formal brush up.  If it's not too late!

Ann Fox ● 2577d