On 2–4 February 2026, Gateshead Council teams carried out clearance operations to remove piles of illegally dumped rubbish from back lanes in Bensham, Tyne and Wear, aiming to reduce health risks and fire hazards for local residents.
Workers removed bulky items such as old furniture and household waste from the narrow alleys, which have become frequent targets for people dumping rubbish without permission. The clearances form part of a wider effort to keep the community clean and to reduce the spread of pests and other public‑health risks.
To help catch those responsible, the council has deployed 10 overt CCTV cameras equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to monitor fly‑tipping hotspots. Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said the council is taking a firm stand against people who dump waste and warned of the cost to taxpayers from clearing illegal deposits.
The authority has allocated £440,000 to recruit nine additional enforcement officers to focus on hotspot areas such as Bensham, and the council has raised the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice for fly‑tipping to £1,000. Gateshead Council also uses evidence gathered during clearances — including documentation found in dumped waste — to help identify offenders and pursue legal action in court.
Residents are being encouraged to report any illegal dumping they see to help authorities keep streets and back lanes clear. Council leaders say time spent repeatedly clearing back lanes diverts resources away from other parts of the borough.
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