As a regular walker in Mirfield, Ravensthorpe, Thornhill Lees and further afield, it is disturbing to see the increase in fly-tipping, and littering generally, that is taking place all over the country.
There seems to be a culture at the moment where people think they can simply deposit things they don't want and some magic will happen to make it disappear!
The people responsible for that magic, are the local councils and, to their credit, if fly-tipping is reported and it is on land which is accessible to them and for which they have responsibility, it is removed. However each time this happens there is a cost, which is ultimately passed on to the ratepayer, by way of increases in council tax.
Are the people responsible for such fly-tipping not able to see that they, and the rest of us, ultimately end up paying for their laziness?
The problem is not restricted to this area, it is countrywide and has developed because of the government's insistence on the Landfill Tax. This has meant that councils have had to start charging for certain items to be tipped.
If you go to the tip in any vehicle other than a car, it is my understanding that you are charged a small amount for tipping the items. (Maybe those with more information could let me know how much these costs are, I am genuinely interested to know).
The general laziness of a small minority of people continues to astound me. The amount of litter I pick up on a daily basis is enormous. Every day when I walk my dogs, I carry plastic bags to pick up their mess, and spare ones to pick up litter. I can guarantee that by the end of the walk the spare carrier bag is full of things like plastic bottles, crisp packets, fast-food cartons, clothes and items which it would be unseemly to mention.
Also, what is the law with regard to throwing litter out of cars, could anyone enlighten me?
I look forward to hearing other people's experiences.

SUE BENTLEY
Huddersfield Road
MIRFIELD