Dismay over drug supplies found dumped at beauty spot

A large quantity of tubing and fertilizer containers have been dumped in Brown Moss, much to the dismay of one member of the public.

Michaela Fletcher was visiting the site with her children recently when she made what she describes as a disturbing discovery.

"I took my four children to Brown Moss for a picnic tea and also a little run about for them to be children instead of being glued to technology," said Michaela.

"My children questioned what it was and why it was there. I find this very disturbing because it is becoming more frequent."

Last month cannabis plant leaves and hydroponics equipment used to grow the plants was discovered in Maltkiln Lane near Whixall.

"In a space of a few weeks there has been more sightings of drug paraphernalia being dumped, mainly in beauty nature reserves or even in general," added Michaela. "Not even a month ago there was a dumping of a cannabis plants, now here."

In reference to the recent bouts of flytipping occurring around Whitchurch, councillor Peggy Mullock said she was disappointed that people chose to dump their rubbish rather than use the resources provided.

"The cost of cleaning these messes up is a cost to all of us," said Cllr Mullock. "I would encourage anyone who spots this happening to report it to the police or the council's environmental department.

"I don’t know why people think they have the right to dump their rubbish anywhere in the countryside, when we have a perfectly good recycling centre here in Whitchurch."

At Whitchurch Town Council last week, Deborah Wheeler of West Mercia Police did highlight that there had been a recent spate of flytipping in the area, but stressed that the clean-up was up to the council and not the police.

Those guilty of producing of cannabis for sharing or selling can face a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

And those who are found in possession can face up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.