A businesswoman installed CCTV cameras after enduring months of persistent fly-tipping outside her bridal shop in Colchester.
Julie Macrae, owner of Serenity Brides, took action after repeatedly finding junk dumped in the car park when arriving at her shop each morning.
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The shop owner, who has run her business for 13 years, said she spent hundreds of pounds on the security cameras after the situation became unbearable.
A “monstrosity of a wardrobe” left outside her premises proved to be the final straw that prompted her decision to install the surveillance equipment.
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Julie Macrae, owner of Serenity Brides, took action after repeatedly finding junk dumped outside the building
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The fly-tipping had become so severe that it was affecting the appearance of her shop and creating potential safety hazards.
Among the items illegally dumped were a gas canister, an electronic piano, sofas and mattresses.
Macrae responded by sending warning letters to nearby residents, informing them that CCTV footage of fly-tipping would be passed to the council.
“I put a notice in the flats letterboxes and said we have got CCTV cameras and that we are in touch with the council and will prosecute if we catch them,” she said.
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Junk was repeatedly being dumped in the shop’s car parl
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The deterrent proved immediately effective, with Macrae noting: “Funnily enough, there has been nothing since – it’s a fire hazard right against our shop, and it’s unsightly.”
The shop owner had to clear surrounding greenery to ensure clear camera footage could be captured.
Macrae had previously battled with the council in 2022 when they refused to remove rubbish from the car park, citing it was on private land.
“I made such a fuss the council eventually moved it,” she said, though the problem later resumed.
The installation of CCTV, while expensive, has proven effective in preventing further incidents.
Among the items illegally dumped were a gas canister, an electronic piano, sofas and mattresses
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The installation of CCTV, while expensive, has proven effective in preventing further incidents
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“I was dreading coming back after Christmas – last time, there was so much junk there it was unbelievable,” Macrae said.
She expressed frustration at people’s attitudes towards disposal: “People obviously thought someone else would just take it away – these are big items.”
The council has been supportive of her security measures, telling her: “Give us some CCTV and we will do something about it.”
“From my point of view, I have got a lovely shop, but we can’t have anyone come in the back way – it looks disgusting,” she added.
