CCTV to be used on Mitcham Common in fight against fly-tipping

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

An ANPR camera will be installed in a road which is home to one of Merton’s worst fly-tipping hotspots.

Cedar Avenue, a one-way street cutting through Mitcham Common, is regularly used as a dumping ground for commercial and household waste.

While waste can be found along the full length of the road, the majority can be found in the middle of the road, away from Pollards Hill to the north and the Ravensbury roundabout to the south.

Residents believe the spot is favoured as a fly-tipping spot due to its isolation and lack of passing pedestrians.

Residents have expressed outrage at what they see as a blight on the beloved conservation area. In response to a post about the site on Nextdoor, Penny Nicholls said: “It’s so sad to see this.”

Another resident, Lisa Lilley, said the site was a “horrific view every morning on the drive to work”. She added: “Whoever did this was awful The tip is not much further down the road.”

Among items dumped last week were several porcelain toilets, mattresses and computer hardware. Nappies, spirit bottles and condoms could also be found scattered alongside the 30mph road.

Councillor Martin Whelton, chairman of the Mitcham Common Conservator Group, which oversees the common, said: “The Mitcham Common Conservators have been very concerned about fly-tipping on the common, especially in Cedars Avenue.

“Following pressure from the Conservators, Merton council has now installed a CCTV camera which has been installed in Cedars Avenue and is already live.”

A Merton council spokesman said: “We are working closely with the landowners as well as providing technical expertise to them that will allow the safe removal of this fly tip.

“We are also advising the landowner on measures to prevent further instances at this location.”

Pictured: Unsightly fly-tipping in Cedar Avenue (Picture: Harrison Galliven)