Fly-Tipping and Fire Hazard on Spearman Street, Woolwich, Addressed Following Resident Report

April 30, 2026

An alleyway on Spearman Street in Woolwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich, was recently reported to be severely cluttered with waste and fly-tipping, creating a fire hazard for residents. The issue, which a resident stated had been ongoing for weeks, has now been addressed by the council.

The Problem Explained

A resident reported significant fly-tipping and general waste accumulation in an alleyway leading to properties on Spearman Street and on nearby green spaces. The report, submitted on 29th April, highlighted that waste was dumped beside property 13 Spearman Street and at the bottom of the property where a fire had previously occurred due to waste being set alight. According to the report, this situation had been neglected for more than two to three weeks, with council cleaners, who usually clear the area monthly, not having been seen. The presence of dumped waste, particularly in an area with a history of fires, created a clear and present danger for residents.

Local Impact and Context

The ongoing fly-tipping on Spearman Street in Woolwich is not an isolated incident. Fly-tipping remains a persistent issue across the Royal Borough of Greenwich, with the council reporting an average of approximately 1,200 incidents per month in 2025. The area around Woolwich Common, where Spearman Street is located, has been identified as susceptible to such incidents, with other reports on FixMyStreet detailing similar problems in the vicinity. The accumulation of waste creates an unsafe environment, blocking access and posing a hazard to the community, as evidenced by the previous fire incident mentioned in the resident's report.

Council Response and Status

Following the resident's report, the status on FixMyStreet was updated to "Fixed" today, 30th April, indicating that the Royal Borough of Greenwich has addressed the issue. The Royal Borough of Greenwich aims to remove fly-tipped rubbish within 48 hours of receiving a report, with a target of 95% performance against this timescale. The council has a dedicated fly-tip removal team to manage such incidents. To combat persistent fly-tipping, the Royal Borough of Greenwich has intensified its efforts, including increasing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping to £1,000 as of January 19, 2026. The council also offers rewards of up to £100 for residents who provide information leading to a successful fine or prosecution.

Author

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk

From Town Hall decisions to resident-led reports, the South London News On Your Doorstep Desk offers comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter to your street. Our editorial staff provide critical updates on local planning, council services, and neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring our readers never miss a change to their local area.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between local grievances and council accountability, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, human-led perspective on the stories driving South East London today.