Dispute Arises Over Responsibility for Flytipping in Seamill Park Avenue

Residents of Seamill Park Avenue in Worthing are at odds with Motor Fuel Group (MFG), operators of the BP garage on Brighton Road, regarding the removal of dumped fridges and mattresses obstructing a right of way.

MFG asserts it does not own the lane adjacent to its property and thus bears no responsibility for the waste, while residents maintain that historical documents confirm the fuel company’s ownership and duty to clear the debris.

Mike Whiting, a local resident, claims Land Registry documents from 1941 verify MFG’s ownership of the lane section where the rubbish lies. This document purportedly obligates the landowners to keep the lane unobstructed as it serves as a right of way for Seamill Park Avenue residents.

The waste, which has been present for several weeks, poses safety concerns and could potentially attract further flytipping, costing residents around £250 for removal.

Worthing Borough Council has stated that as the land is privately owned, it is not their responsibility to clear the waste. They indicated that any legal removal should be arranged by the landowners. However, the council is currently investigating the validity of the residents’ claims regarding the lane’s ownership by the petrol station. Motor Fuel Group has declined to comment on the issue.