St Austell homes flooding because of idiots fly-tipping garden waste

An investigation has found that flooding at properties in the St Austell area this winter was partly caused by people dumping their garden waste into a nearby water leat.

Cornwall Council has been investigating incidents of property flooding from Charlestown Leat during this past winter period. It said extreme rainfall has resulted in the leat conveying floodwater through St Austell despite it not being connected to the area.

It's now been found that people have been "dumping" garden and other waste into the leat channel, which begins at Luxulyan, causing blockages and ultimately, flooding. Cornwall Council is reminding people that dumping waste is illegal and that if people don't stop it could cause more serious problems.

READ MORE: Man seriously injured and 100m cordon after suspected gas explosion

READ MORE: 'Large' campervan bursts into flames on A30

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: "Cornwall Council has been investigating incidents of property flooding from Charlestown Leat over the winter of 2023/4. High and extreme rainfall over the winter resulted in Charlestown leat conveying floodwater through St Austell despite the fact the leat is not connected.

"It has been found that flooding from the leat is being contributed to by the dumping of garden and other waste into the leat channel preventing water flowing down the channel as it historically would have.

Join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and be first to hear what's happening near you

"Dumping of any waste is not legal and causes harm to the environment. Waste should be disposed of correctly via the appropriate facility and not dumped in the leat as this is could lead to further property flooding to you and your neighbours."