Ellie Ames 08 August 2024

Ombudsman ‘astonished’ by failure to remove waste

Ombudsman ‘astonished’ by failure to remove waste image
Image: Brookgardener / Shutterstock.com

Kingston Council’s refusal to move a dumped mattress for four months has left the local government ombudsman ‘astonished’.

A resident asked the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames council to remove the waste, which had been dumped in a river in a council-run park.

The local authority argued it was not its responsibility and suggested the man contact the Environment Agency.

The resident complained to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, which concluded it was Kingston’s duty to remove the waste, as it was in ‘water on council land’.

The council has since removed the mattress.

Ombudsman Amerdeep Somal said: ‘I am disappointed by the council’s inflexibility in this case, and quite astonished it has taken such a long time to put right what should have been a simple task to remove the mattress from the river, which is barely ankle deep.’

Ms Somal added: ‘I was surprised by the lack of value and pride the council appeared to put in maintaining the park that it provides for its residents at significant cost.’

A council spokesperson said: ‘Protecting our environment is everyone’s responsibility - councils, residents, businesses and our regulators.

‘We accept the ruling, which was primarily one of defining roles and responsibilities between councils and the Environment Agency.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner