I WAS surprised to read the allegation in your letters column that fly tipping is on the increase in Darlington as a result of changes to the operation of the household recycling site in Whessoe Road (HAS, May 17).

As the cabinet member responsible for the facility, I was conscious of concerns that illegal dumping might grow as a result of the new approach.

Consequently, I have been monitoring incidence of fly tipping closely. I am assured by officers that there is no clear evidence that it is on the rise.

The changes at Whessoe Road are designed to save approximately £50,000 a year by preventing non-household items being disposed free-of-charge.

It has been some traders in the main who have been abusing the facility – many other local authorities operate similar schemes.

Whessoe Road remains a freeto- use facility for residents disposing of household waste, and there should be no reason for illegal dumping to increase.

There is a facility next door for businesses to dispose of their waste legally and at a reasonable cost, and other places both in the Borough and elsewhere which traders can use.

That being said, the new policy is being kept under review.

Councillor Nick Wallis Darlington Borough Council.