Paul Frew welcomes council clean-up of illegal dumping in Antrim hills

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew has welcomed action taken by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to remove illegally dumped materials and a burnt-out vehicle from rural roads near Corkey and Glenaan.

The DUP representative said he had been contacted by local residents concerned about the growing problem of illegal dumping along the Altnahinch Road, including discarded electrical goods and piles of waste, as well as a burnt-out vehicle along the Glenaan Road and the repeated dumping of tyres at several locations in the area.

Mr Frew said he had raised the issue directly with Council officials to ensure the sites were cleared swiftly.

“After having constituents raise the issue of illegal dumping of electrical goods along the Altnahinch Road, and other issues of dumping in the local area, which is renowned for its beauty, I contacted Causeway Coast and Glens Council to ensure that these areas would be cleared as soon as possible,” he said.

He described illegal dumping as “absolutely wrong”, adding that it had no place across towns and villages.

“The illegal dumping of goods and materials also poses a risk to motorists and pedestrians, particularly as we enter the winter months where visibility is reduced and road conditions become more dangerous,” Mr Frew continued.

The MLA confirmed he has since been informed that all areas of concern have now been cleared by Council staff.

“I am pleased to report that the Council have advised me that all areas I raised concern about have now been cleared. I thank the Council staff for their help in resolving this matter. I would also appeal to anyone considering illegal dumping to reconsider and to dispose of waste correctly,” he said.

Mr Frew’s intervention comes amid ongoing frustration in rural communities about environmental crime and the misuse of country roads for waste dumping, which can damage the natural landscape and pose safety hazards.

Local residents have long called for greater enforcement and deterrence measures to tackle the problem, including surveillance and stricter penalties for offenders.