Fly-tipping in middle of road 'could cause fatal accident' (From Borehamwood Times)

Fly-tipping in middle of Aldenham 'could cause fatal accident'

3:10pm Monday 28th January 2013 in News By Anna Slater

Rubbish dumped on a quiet street could distract drivers and cause a serious accident, neighbours say.

“Selfish” people have been leaving refuse including sofas, carpets and even asbestos in the road in Pegmire Lane, Aldenham, for around a year.

Residents say the narrow street is used as a “rat run” for rush-hour motorists, who use the lane as a cut-through from Radlett and Watford.

Laurie Hall, who has lived in the road for nearly 30 years, is now calling on the fly-tippers to change their ways before the waste causes a fatal accident.

The 67-year-old said: “It is ridiculous – whoever is dumping the rubbish is very selfish, because it puts people’s lives at risk.

“I was horrified when I saw asbestos was dumped because it can be a huge health hazard to residents.

“Everything has been dumped here, from rubbish such as sofa chairs and cabinets, and it is always right in the middle of the street.

“The road is used as a rat run during rush hour, and it is bad enough as it is when it gets dark early in the evening.”

The last time rubbish was left in the middle of the road was just before Christmas – but workers from Hertsmere Borough Council removed it within hours of it being reported.

To make matters worse, the dad-of-three said two lights at the end of the street stopped working in December but are yet to be fixed despite logging numerous complaints.

Residents are now on tenterhooks when they wake up in the mornings or return home from work, hoping more rubbish has not been dumped.

Mr Hall added: “I am worried that if it happens again, there will be a fatal accident. I want the fly tippers to change their ways before it is too late.”

The Borehamwood Times is awaiting comment from Hertsmere Borough Council.