Two more prosecuted for fly tipping

Wednesday, 6 December 2023 08:20

By David Murphy

Two people who failed to pay fines for fly tipping have been successfully prosecuted by Bury Council’s enforcement team.

The cases were heard at Salford and Manchester Magistrates Court on 1 December 2023, after the offenders had failed to attend court on previous occasions and warrants were issued for their arrest.

Typhany Curtis was originally given a fixed penalty in August 2022 for fly tipping behind her home in Hornby Street, Bury. She failed to pay it, and the court has now fined her £100 along with £250 costs to the council and a victim surcharge of £40.

Leon Barlow was given a fixed penalty in July 2022 for fly tipping behind his house in Victoria Street, Radcliffe. He failed to pay it, and the court has now fined him £760 and awarded £400 costs and a victim surcharge of £286.

Since the introduction of fly tipping fixed penalties in June 2021, and the recruitment of two enforcement officers, the council has issued 150 fixed penalties for fly tipping and littering and had 13 successful prosecutions for environmental crime.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “People hate fly tipping. It spoils the neighbourhood, and council tax payers are left to pick up the bill for clearing it up.

“More cases are due in court soon, and we’re not stopping - we will continue to take action against offenders.”

Cllr Quinn said there had been a noticeable increase in advertisements on social media for unlicensed waste removal services.

“Every individual and business has a duty of care to ensure they correctly dispose of their waste,” he said, “and many unsuspecting householders are being caught out by these rogue traders, drawn by their attractive low rates compared to legitimate operators.

“I urge residents to check their credentials before using them and remind the public that officers now have the power to issue £400 fixed penalty notices on householders who fail in their duty of care.”

Residents should ask any waste carrier for their address and telephone number, their waste carrier licence, and ask where their waste will be taken to. You can carry out an instant (and free) check of their credentials via the Environment Agency: https://environment.data.gov.u...