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Beauty spot 'used as fly-tip'
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| Dominic Matterson with his daughter Olivia and dog Murphy at the site |
A BEAUTY spot despoiled by rubbish has been branded "disgraceful" by people who use the area next to the River Thames.
Land between Abingdon Bridge and Abingdon Lock, opposite the Abbey Grounds in the town, a popular place for dog walking, has also been inhabited for the past year by a homeless man.
It has become a fly-tipping spot with mattresses and metal left in fields flanked by the River Thames.
Dominic Matterson, of East St Helen Street, wrote to Abingdon Town Council, the Vale of White Horse District Council and Oxfordshire County Council, but said nothing had been done.
Mr Matterson only received a reply from the town council, informing him that it is not responsible for the site.
The 43-year-old said: "It's disgraceful. Not only is it a picnic area, but it's been like this for ages, weeks and months.
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"It's a conservation site used by wildlife groups and there is this field with masses of litter in it, and the point is that nobody has done anything about it.
"What about the environment? It's a natural beauty spot here in the town and they are happy to leave it like this month after month, year after year.
"It isn't right and something needs to be done. People should be having picnics over Easter but they won't be as it's just too filthy."
The father-of-two added: "The tramp has been living in the corner for about a year.
"I've complained, not because I'm a mean-spirited so-and-so, but on the grounds that I've a 14-year-old son who takes the dog out and it's a little bit intimidating for him.
"My dog could tread on a bit of metal and hurt her paw."
Stephen Roberts, of Borough Walk, has also appealed to the authorities to clean up the mess.
He said the area had previously been cleared up, taking four people all day to do it.
He said: "It's become a complete tip again with plastic bags, electric kettles and buggies."
Gavin Walton, a spokesman for the district council, said: "We're aware of the situation and are currently investigating it."
Toby Shergold, spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said the island was split between the Abingdon and Wallingford neighbourhood teams.
He said: "The Abingdon team say they are not aware of any problems with a tramp or homeless person on the island."
No one from the Wallingford team was available for comment.
Police have no specific powers to move on a homeless man unless there has been criminal damage or antisocial behaviour.
Mr Shergold said: "What we would usually do is refer homeless people to the appropriate agencies for care and support."
2:43pm Wednesday 19th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Takemytime on 3:10pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Until it becomes someone's responsibility not a tit will be done. What a disgrace blaming the mess on that homeless chap that even the TVP spokesman found ok.
This place would be perfect for the dogging people in Grove.
Who wants to have a picnic where dogs crap around, even if it is cleared up.
Until it becomes someone's responsibility not a tit will be done. What a disgrace blaming the mess on that homeless chap that even the TVP spokesman found ok.
This place would be perfect for the dogging people in Grove.
Who wants to have a picnic where dogs crap around, even if it is cleared up.
Posted by: Reader on 3:15pm Wed 19 Mar 08
That picture shows the dog having a crap?
That picture shows the dog having a crap?
Posted by: Equally Angry of Abingdon, Abingdon on 3:00pm Thu 20 Mar 08
My admiration for this worthy citizen knows no bounds. He should perhaps stand as a councillor? And then he could also sort out the Abingdon transport system! P.S. Where DOES he get his hair done?
My admiration for this worthy citizen knows no bounds. He should perhaps stand as a councillor? And then he could also sort out the Abingdon transport system! P.S. Where DOES he get his hair done?
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