SIR: I was pleased to read your report highlighting Winchester City Council’s new initiative to encourage more people to report fly-tipping (Chronicle, February 18).

However, I was concerned to read your assumptions on the reasons for fly-tipping, and feel it is important residents are equipped with the facts. I am very clear that there is no excuse for fly-tipping, and there is no evidence to support a connection with any operational changes at our extensive network of HWRCs. Fly-tipping is predominantly an organised crime on a national scale, with profits made by criminal gangs well-publicised in the national media. Our partnership work to tackle fly-tipping with district councils, the police, landowners, the CLA and the NFU is working well and we are seeing results, but it will take all of us to help. I would urge all Hampshire residents to be vigilant, report what they see and know their legal duty when it comes to employing anyone to take their waste for them.

In Hampshire, we have made it as easy as possible for people to dispose of waste responsibly, legally and conveniently. The majority of household waste – including all the waste in the picture accompanying your article - can be taken for free, by householders, to any one of the sites in our large network. The booking system, introduced to keep staff and customers safe during the pandemic, is operating well with capacity at the Winchester HWRC, indicating that all those who want one are able to find a booking slot.

Cllr Rob Humby,

Deputy Leader,

Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment,

Hampshire County Council,

The Castle,

Winchester