Concerns raised over fly-tipping near landmark

CARS, fridges, and mattresses are among items being dumped next to a Stockport landmark hoping to get World Heritage status.

- BY DECLAN CAREY

Residents in Marple have told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that three areas around the town’s historic canal locks and the River Goyt have become dumping grounds for rubbish and larger items.

One of the sites is a gated maintenance yard owned by the Canal and River Trust, a charity which protects some of the country’s waterways.

What appeared to be old mini-fridges were found at the site, as well as carpets, and piles of tyres and wood close to the historic canal locks.

A second site was found next to Marple Aqueduct, in a wooded area behind the Aqueduct Business Park.

Pictures revealed rubbish strewn down an area of land towards the banks of the River Goyt, including what appeared to be cans with flammable warning signs.

Residents said a third site is based on a private road in front of the business park where cars are being left and appear abandoned.

Marple’s canal locks are currently the focus of a bid for World Heritage status in a campaign backed by residents and Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart.

Locals in the town told the LDRS in May that giving the area protected status would help preserve it for future generations. But frustrated residents say they have reported the rubbish issues to Stockport council and the Canal and River Trust, but claim little has changed.

Marple resident Richard discovered the piles of rubbish behind the Aqueduct Business Park while out walking.