Two in court as council continues crackdown on fly-tipping

The waste found at Orford

TWO more people have been fined and ordered to pay substantial costs as Warrington Borough Council continues its crackdown on fly-tipping.
Adrian England, of Catherine Way, Newton-le-Willows, was found guilty in his absence at Warrington Combined Court, in connection with the illegal deposit of waste at Old Alder Lane in Burtonwood.
In another case, Louise Blackburn, of Locker Avenue, Orford, Warrington, was prosecuted in connection with the illegal deposit of waste at the site of the former Old Corner House pub on Crowe Avenue, Orford.
After the hearings, Cllr Judith Guthrie, the borough council’s cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “These successful prosecutions are the latest demonstration of the tough stance we take on the illegal dumping of waste, which is such a blight on our local environment.
“Our dedicated officers continue to remain vigilant and thoroughly investigate all reported incidents. Anyone thinking of committing a similar crime should consider the consequences of their actions. Ignoring our communications and failing to attend court will not prevent justice being served.”
In the case against England, the court was told a large quantity of household waste was deposited on a public footpath, adjacent to an open field at Burtonwood. Council officers were able to link the waste to England, who was invited to be interviewed but failed to attend.
He was subsequently found guilty, in his absence. And was fined £300 and ordered to a pay a contribution to costs of £715, as well as a victim surcharge of £30.
In the case against Blackburn, the court heard waste was found illegally dumped at the site of the former Old Corner House pub on Crowe Avenue, Orford.
Bagged waste and other household items were found and evidence recovered by the council’s environmental crime officers suggested the involvement of Blackburn, who then failed to make herself available to be interviewed in connection with the incident.
She was subsequently found guilty in her absence at Warrington Combined Court and was fined £300 and ordered to a pay a contribution to costs of £631, as well as a victim surcharge of £30. The total amount of £961 must be paid in full within 28 days.
Cllr Mike Hannon, ward member for Orford, said: “We are passionate about ensuring our neighbourhoods are clean and free from fly-tipping. Failure to co-operate with investigations, as in this case, will not deter the council from taking action, and officers will always pursue investigations. Anybody with information relating to a fly-tipping incident should report it to the council with as much information as possible, so it can be investigated.”
The public can report environmental crimes at warrington.gov.uk/report.