Council fly-tipping team stars in ‘Filthy Britain SOS’ TV series

The work of Buckinghamshire Council’s fly-tipping team is currently being featured in episodes of Channel 5’s latest observational series, Filthy Britain SOS. 

Council officers David Rounding, Chris Smith, Matt Shutter and Reece Croft were filmed at various locations across Buckinghamshire showing how they fight back against those intent on dumping in the county.

Be it fly-tipped building waste, black sacks full of rubbish or even waste from cannabis production, the team is relentless in their pursuit of clues and evidence to bring anyone who fly-tips in Buckinghamshire to justice.

The TV series exposes instances off fly-tipping across the UK and the extensive work carried out by dedicated Council teams and volunteers to combat the dumpers and clear up after those who litter the countryside and towns. 

This is the second time TV crews have followed the work in Buckinghamshire with the team having been filmed for Channel 5’s previous series, Grime and Punishment in 2018.

Enforcement Officer, David Rounding said; “I support any way of getting the message out to people about how anti-social fly-tipping is and how expensive and time-consuming clear up operations are. While the series is hugely entertaining and it was good to take part, the serious message is don’t fly-tip, be responsible and avoid a criminal record, hefty fine or even a custodial sentence.”

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Bill Chapple OBE said you can’t help but be shocked by the outrageous ways people fly-tip and the huge amounts often involved. “A very small minority of people simply don’t care about our beautiful countryside and see it as a way of ducking their responsibility to dispose of waste properly. Well not in Buckinghamshire – we will continue to do everything to track criminals down and bring them to justice. We always operate a zero tolerance approach so you have been warned,” he added.

Catch episodes of Filthy Britain SOS on Sundays at 8.00pm on Channel 5 or catch up on demand at My5.tv. Buckinghamshire’s work first features in episode three, which aired on June 14.

For more information about fly tipping and how to prevent it, please visit https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/waste-and-recycling/fly-tipping/