Thousands of pounds have been spent clearing illegally fly-tipped rubbish dumped just metres away from live railway lines in Tameside.

Several tonnes of rat-infested, stinking rubbish were left beside tracks in Heyrod near Stalybridge.

Network Rail used specialist waste disposal contractors to remove the garbage which included old duvets, suitcases, plastic and camping equipment.

Three lorry loads of rotting waste were removed from beside the major rail route between Manchester and Leeds using a special grabber.

So far in 2021 more than £100,000 has been spent removing illegally dumped waste in the Manchester area alone.

Andrea Graham, Network Rail head of security and crime, said: “We won’t tolerate anyone using the railway as an illegal dumping ground and we do everything we can to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Not only is waste like this a health and environmental hazard, but when dumped so close to railway lines it can endanger trains and the staff and passengers on them. 

“Anyone who sees fly-tipping happening on the railway should immediately contact the British Transport Police.”

Chief Insp Lorna McEwan, from British Transport Police, said: “Fly-tipping is an eyesore and a hazard for those who use the railway and the community itself. As well as the environmental hazard there is also a hefty cost to remove the rubbish.

“It is worth reminding offenders that fly-tipping is a criminal offence and we urge anyone who witnesses incidents or has any information to report it to us on 0800 405040.”

Incidents of fly-tipping can be reported to Network Rail’s 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or if you see fly-tipping near the railway contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.

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