A member of the public has called the ongoing fly-tipping issues in and around High Wycombe a ‘growing concern’ after a large amount of waste was dumped in a small village.

On December 2, images obtained by the Free Press revealed that a large sign, numerous black refuse bags and a plastic slab were thrown on the grass verge next to the River Wye along Station Road in Loudwater.

It is not known when these surplus goods were left in the area.

This is just one of many instances of fly-tipping that have impacted High Wycombe and its surrounding areas in 2025.

During the course of this year, areas across the town in South Buckinghamshire, along with areas such as Lane End and Loudwater, have been hit with scattered litter.

The member of the public, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “Fly-tipping has become a growing concern in our village.

“It not only spoils the look of the area but also creates health and safety issues for residents.

"We’re hoping for stronger action and more awareness to help put a stop to it.”

In July 2024, Buckinghamshire Council launched the ‘For Bucks Sake’ campaign, in which those who commit fly-tipping and littering crimes across the county will receive a minimum fine of £500.

This is an increase from the original £250 fixed penalty notice that was initially given.

Since this has come into play, over £15,000 has been served in fines for those who have been caught fly-tipping in the area.

Across the country, residents and volunteers are teaming up to remove litter on their respective streets, as well as restoring road signs and fixing drains.

This is part of a campaign called ‘Clean Up Britain’, which has gained an increase in traction this calendar year, as more people up and down the UK are reporting ongoing litter issues in their respective areas.

In October, it was revealed that the Environment Agency, police and other agencies were failing to tackle fly-tipping by organised crime groups, a cross-party group of peers has found.

In a letter to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, who is High Wycombe’s MP, the Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee called on the Government to set up an independent root and branch review of serious and organised waste crime.

The committee argued that while fly-tipping is causing high environmental, social and economic costs of around £1 billion every year, it is being drastically under-prioritised.

The letter said: “We are deeply concerned about the demonstrable inadequacy of the current approach to tackling waste crime.”

The peers also said they were “unimpressed with the lack of interest shown by the police in fulfilling their role by bringing to bear their expertise in tackling serious and organised waste crime”.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We recognise the recommendations of the report and are committed to doing more.

“Last year alone, our dedicated teams shut down 462 illegal waste sites and prevented nearly 34,000 tonnes of waste being illegally exported – showing that we can make real change despite the challenges involved.”