Large quantities of raw and cooked meat have been repeatedly left in and around the Whinfield community garden, between Caithness Road and Annandale, over the past year.
Previous incidents have included more than 100 raw chicken wings, fish guts, sausage rolls and what was described as “nearly a whole pig”.
Earlier this year, what was described as “Christmas dinner leftovers” were also found at the community site.
Councillor Jamie Bartch says the “meat mystery” is very much ongoing, with it now happening every couple of weeks.
Meat has been discovered in the community garden every couple of weeks. (Image: WHINFIELD NEWS)
He said: “It’s in the same place as before. Now it’s happening every couple of weeks – and that’s only when people notice it. It could be happening more often than that.”
The community garden, which has been in place for around a year, is a relatively new addition to the area and was introduced as a communal space for residents to enjoy.
But Councillor Bartch said he has now asked Darlington Borough Council to install CCTV at the site in a desperate bid to stop the meat dumping and to protect the garden from potential vandalism.
He said: “We’ve asked for a camera to be installed now because it keeps happening, but we’re still waiting to hear back on that.
“The garden is a relatively new addition, and we don’t want it to get destroyed before its properly got off the ground.”
The meat mystery has been ongoing for the past year. (Image: WHINFIELD NEWS)
In addition to multiple social media appeals, the councillor is now writing directly to homes in the area to identify and deter whoever is responsible.
The councillor said: “We’ve written a letter and we just need to deliver it to houses on the estate either side, because we’re fairly certain that’s where they are.
“The letters are expected to be distributed in the coming days.”
While the motive behind the meat dumping remains unclear, Councillor Bartch has previously suggested the person responsible may believe they are feeding animals rather than acting maliciously.
However, he stressed that leaving food in a public space is not appropriate.
He said: “If people are going to leave food out for animals, they should definitely do it in their own gardens, not in a public space.”
A spokesperson from Darlington Borough Council confirmed the meat dumping is being investigated.
A spokesman said: “We are aware of a number of incidents of inappropriate disposal of meat products in the area which we are investigating as fly-tipping.
“As in all cases of fly-tipping we will use all methods at our disposal to try to identify the culprits and take enforcement action whenever possible.
“We would urge anyone with information or who sees anyone fly-tipping to report it. You can do this via our website at www.darlington.gov.uk/doitonline.”
Many residents have raised concerns over the past year that the dumped food could attract pests or pose a risk to dogs and children.
Although the councillor said the meat has not been formally tested, there have been no reports of animals being harmed.
Anyone with information about who may be responsible is urged to contact Darlington Borough Council.
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