News / Bristol Waste
Police investigate alleged fraud at Avonmouth recycling centre
Alleged fraud at Avonmouth Household Reuse & Recycling Centre is under police investigation.
The city council and its waste company are cooperating with inquiries and have handed over evidence to detectives.
Bristol Waste says it took immediate action and introduced “new measures to ensure security” at their depot on Kings Weston Lane after the suspected corruption was reported.
The investigation, with allegations dating back to 2020, was announced at a council meeting where councillors were scrutinising the arms-length company’s business plan.
It comes after Bristol City Council admitted “very serious concerns” about the future of Bristol Waste, which is having to cut services such as street-cleansing, shut the city’s tips two days a week and increase charges for garden recycling collections among a raft of cost-saving measures.
A Bristol Waste spokesperson said: “Back in 2020 we became aware of possible fraudulent activity within one of our depots.
“Immediate action was taken, and all evidence was submitted to the police. The case is currently under a live police investigation.
“Following the reports, we implemented a number of new measures to ensure security at the site which have proven to be effective.”
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An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: “We can confirm there is an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud at a waste depot in Avonmouth. Enquiries continue and Bristol Waste is assisting with our investigation.”
Deputy mayor Craig Cheney added: “Reports of possible fraudulent activity have been passed to the police and we will continue to support their current investigation.
“Whilst we recognise that Bristol Waste has introduced new measures to guard against the potential for fraudulent activity at their sites, we expect the company to continue to remain vigilant and take immediate action where necessary.”
Main photo: Landmark Practice
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