Lewisham Council has launched 'Love Lewisham', a new initiative aimed at tackling persistent fly-tipping and enhancing the borough's cleanliness. The campaign, announced by Councillor Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action, will deploy intensive interventions in known fly-tipping hotspots, including a beautification programme that extends existing work like rain gardens to new areas.
Mobile CCTV will be strategically placed in identified hotspots to deter criminal fly-tipping and aid in catching offenders, with the potential for fines. The 'Love Lewisham' initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the borough's public realm.
Councillor Ashwell stated that the campaign is a top priority for both himself and the Mayor. It's a bit disappointing that it's been allowed to fall into such a state, but it seems to come to us to have to clean it up, and that's what we're doing,
he remarked. We've engaged with the officers very successfully. They've developed a sort of multi-pronged approach to the Love Lewisham campaign.
The campaign also features a communications drive to foster civic pride among residents and educate them on responsible waste disposal. Specific waste disposal options will be communicated, with the council considering options beyond the popular £5 bulky waste collection fee, potentially including a free bulky waste allowance. Efforts will also be made to improve the council's bulky waste collection service to reduce current delays.
The Sustainable Development Select Committee discussed the 'Love Lewisham' programme during its meeting on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The success of the campaign will be monitored by tracking fly-tipping reports and encouraging resident feedback. It is described as a data-driven exercise focused on measurable differences and outcomes for the community.
Further details on the 'Love Lewisham' programme can be found in the Public reports pack for the Sustainable Development Select Committee meeting.
