Dan Walker anger as neighbours dump junk in his skip - including a loo

TV news presenter Dan Walker has slammed neighbours who took the opportunity to load up his skip with all manner of junk. The Sheffield-based Channel 5 star said that people had chucked kitchen cupboards, bin bags - and even an old loo in there.

The Strictly Come Dancing contestant took to Instagram this morning and said: “I’m aware there are far more important things going on in the world but… are there accepted boundaries when it comes to other people’s skips?

“My dad always taught us that, if you want to pop something in someone else’s skip, you wait a few days and then you go and ask if they have any space left and they mind. We had one this week, right outside the house, while we had some work done. Everyday there has been loads of new stuff in there - a toilet, fence posts, kitchen cupboards, bin bags etc - and no-one has asked!”

Then Dan asked the question: “What do you think? Maybe I’m being an idiot.” His followers agreed with his assessment of ‘skip etiquette’ with Joey saying: “Definitely should ask. You’ve gone to the effort to source and pay for it.”

Natalief said: “They should ask! On the opposite side I have had people rummage through my skips for metal… but most knocked on the door to ask first.”

Nat.right.now said: “My brother hired a skip and went to the effort every night to securely tie a tarpaulin over the top every night to stop exactly this happening. Seemed extreme, but worked!” Quirkyfreckle added: “They absolutely should ask! It’s courtesy! You’ve paid for it so why should others add big items and fill the space up!”

On the legal implications of using someone else’s skip, website JustHire said in theory people who do it could be accused of fly tipping: ”If you are caught fly tipping, including putting rubbish and unwanted items into someone’s skip you can be fined up to £5000.

“To report fly tipping contact your local authority. It may be difficult to prove someone has dumped rubbish in your skip unless you have a CCTV camera or photo evidence. Another option if you see fly tipping occurring is to call the non emergency police number. Reporting fly tipping is a community responsibility, helping out your neighbours so in turn they will help you in a time of need.”