Fly-tipping hits Covent Garden

Mattresses, furniture and oil drums have been dumped outside eateries along Bedford Street in Covent Garden.

The popular restaurant area has been plagued by fly-tippers last week.

Jessica Toale noticed more waste was being increasingly dumped at the spot while out walking in the high-end district.

Ms Toale, who is also a Labour council candidate for London’s West End, said: “Across Westminster rubbish dumping does appear to be an increasing issue, and the council are totally under-resourced in terms of city inspectors to tackle the problem.

“They should be taking action to quickly identify offenders and hand out tougher penalties. Common hotspots should also be better monitored and they could consider placing planters in these areas to try to discourage the behaviour.”

A spokesman for nearby Italian restaurant Ave Mario said the rubbish was not left by them and that Westminster City Council told them and other nearby businesses to leave waste outside temporarily for collection.

They added: “We are already aware of the issue and flagged it to the landlord earlier this week as we completely agree, the problem needs to be solved quickly.”

A Westminster City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the issue and will be investigating the report, taking enforcement action if necessary.”

Pictured top: Rubbish left in Bedford Street