🌿 Peterstone’s Flytipping Nightmare 🌿
Nestled in the Gwent Levels of Newport, the village of Peterstone is battling a flytipping crisis so severe that it’s affecting house sales. Once a peaceful spot, it now finds itself at the epicentre of a waste explosion.
📉 Government stats reveal that Newport has the highest flytipping rates in Wales. Though the numbers dipped in 2024-2025, they’re still a staggering 63% rise since 2019.
Local campaigner Michael Enea’s FOI request shows Newport City Council issued only a fraction of fines despite thousands of incidents. Villager Rhys Warrilow isn’t shocked, blaming infrequent bin collection and stricter tip rules post-pandemic.
🚮 Rhys describes the daily reality: “Green Lane is a dumping ground—fridges, building rubble, even tyres. It’s infuriating.”
Efforts like new camera poles have been sabotaged, residents say. Teacher Lee Colvin notes poles are cut down, and he’s witnessed blatant flytipping.
⚖️ The council has stepped up fines, now issuing hundreds versus just a few in past years. They insist their tougher approach is working: fines are up, prosecutions are rare but rising, and there’s a slight drop in 2025 incidents. But locals feel the mess is worse than numbers suggest.
“This place feels forgotten,” says resident Helen Colvin. Community loss is palpable—the village lacks even a shop or open pub, with the beloved Six Bells still closed.
💬 Newport Council cites environmental targets for reduced collections and urges recycling. They’ve upped enforcement, issuing a flurry of warnings and fines. Councillor Yvonne Forsey promises zero tolerance, insisting progress is being made.
Peterstone’s plight underlines a broader challenge: tackling waste while balancing environmental goals and community needs. Let’s hope change is on the horizon. 🌍✨