Newcastle charity shop is target for rogue dumpers

6 August 2025

A CHARITY shop would be the last place you would expect a fly-tipping issue but that is exactly what is happening in Newcastle.

The Wee Charity Shop — which occupies a prominent site at the top of the Shimna Road — is keen to address the issue and is so concerned about what is happening that it has installed new security cameras.

Up until recently, people were leaving large quantities of goods outside the shop’s front door outside opening hours.

But many of the unwanted items left by the public were unsellable, with the charity shop left to foot the bill to have them removed.

While local people have been informed not to leave items that can’t be sold and that CCTV is in operation, some have taken to placing items at the side of the shop which is not covered by the security camera and is beside a local authority-owned car park.

Mournes councillor, Jill Truesdale, is working with charity shop staff in a bid to end what she has described as the “scourge of fly tipping” at the Newcastle shop.

She confirmed that up until quite recently, people left vast quantities of unwanted goods at the door of the shop outside of opening hours.

“This caused major headaches for staff as much of it was unsellable and they had to pay to have it taken away,” said CLlr Truesdale.

“Security cameras have since been installed and the public informed which has cut down on the amount of waste left at the front of the shop. Unfortunately, some people have got wise to this and are now dumping goods at the side.”

Cllr Truesdale said placing waste items at the side of the shop constitutes fly tipping within the council car park, this in itself is an enforceable offence and subject to an £80 fine.

“In order to make this clear, council officers are working on an education initiative and enforcement officers will be in the vicinity checking for anyone leaving off goods in the car park,” she revealed.

“We have an excellent amenity site in Castlewellan. All of the waste left at the charity shop has have

obviously been taken there by car judging by the quantity of goods. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a problem driving five miles to the amenity site.”

Meanwhile, charity shop staff are urging the public to stick to regular opening times for offs and said they are more than happy to receive goods as it enables them to assist many local charities and community groups in the area.

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