Pilton fly-tip cleared within 48 hours
By Laura Linham 2nd Apr 2026
A major dump of roofing tiles on a Pilton bridleway was investigated and cleared within two days, Somerset Council said.
A major fly-tipping incident on a bridleway in Pilton was investigated and cleared within 48 hours after being reported to Somerset Council.
A large quantity of rubbish was discovered at about 8.40am on Tuesday, 1 April, along the bridleway between Copse Lane and Mount Pleasant. The waste included enough roofing tiles to suggest an entire roof may have been discarded, prompting an immediate report through the council's website and warnings to local horse riders and walkers using the route.
The case was escalated by local councillor Claire Sully to Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, whose portfolio covers enforcement and the environmental crime team. Within 24 hours, enforcement officers had visited the site to gather evidence and begin a formal investigation.
By the following morning, Somerset Council said the site had been cleared. The operation involved eight workers, a 7.5-tonne truck and a 3.5-tonne truck, with the waste removed in about an hour.
The rubbish is being taken to Castle Cary for sorting before being transported on to Bristol, according to the information supplied.
Residents in Pilton and the surrounding area also played a key role in the investigation by coming forward quickly with information, which is now helping enforcement officers build their case.
Cllr Sully, who attended the clear-up, said: "I have a keen interest in enforcement having teeth, and in those responsible for this crime being brought to book."
Tessa Munt MP also visited the site on 2 April to thank the Somerset Council workers involved in the clean-up. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is being urged to contact Somerset Council's environmental crime team.
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