Fly tipper caught and fined
A successful Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), issued by Telford & Wrekin Council, has resulted in a borough resident being fined £400.
The rubbish was dumped in Bratton Lane, off the A442, in the village of Bratton and discovered by a member of the public and a council employee. An empty Amazon package was among the waste and contained a name and address traced back to a resident in Apley.
The offender was given a £400 fine by council enforcement officers, reduced to £200 because of early payment.
Councillor Richard Overton (Lab) Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Enforcement and Transport said: “This case sends out a clear message that Telford & Wrekin Council is determined to clamp down on fly tipping which is a significant cost to taxpayers.
“The illegal dumping of rubbish has a detrimental impact on the lives of residents. It is an eyesore as well as a health hazard causing unpleasant smells and attracting vermin. It can also create a dangerous environment for children, animals and wildlife.
“Our enforcement officers are working hard to bring perpetrators to justice and this successful Fixed Penalty Notice shows we are on the side of the vast majority of residents who take pride in their communities.”
Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish in streets, alleyways or on public or private land. Everyone has a responsibility to properly dispose of their waste which they can do so by visiting the borough’s recycling centres.
You can also use a waste carrier to get rid of bulky items but please remember to check they are licensed. Contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506 and ask for a waste carrier validation check. Wait for a waste transfer note before paying and check for a registration certificate at gov.uk. The council offers a bulky waste collection service which can be booked online or by calling 01952 384384.
Offenders can, and will, be prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. They face unlimited fines and up to five years in prison if convicted.
As part of a drive to crack down on fly tippers, the council has launched Telford and Wrekin Watch – an initiative where residents can help identify offenders caught on CCTV or report information that could lead to a prosecution by calling 01952 388800.
To report a fly tip, visit the website www.telford.gov.uk/Watch where you will also find all the latest appeals. Fly tipping can also be reported by using the MyTelford app.
