Prosecutions for two fly-tippers in two days
Test Valley Borough Council’s environmental portfolio holder has said that ‘the choice is incredibly simple’ after two Andover residents were prosecuted for fly-tipping in the town.
Within two days of each other last week, Dale Lealman and Lily Pearson appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court after council investigations into fly-tips that took place in September last year. Both were in the dock after throwing their waste away illegally.
Now, the council’s environmental portfolio holder, councillor Alison Johnston, has implored those who may flout the law, to think about their actions rather than “selfishly” dump their waste wherever they like.
Councillor Johnston said: “While I’m extremely grateful to the hard work of the council’s environmental and legal staff, they should not have to be prosecuting fly-tippers. If everyone got rid of their waste responsibly and legally, rather than selfishly, then we wouldn’t be in this position.
“The choice is incredibly simple and I cannot believe that residents still think about doing this and that they believe they can get away with it. Our policy is simple in that every report made to us is investigated in full and if we find sufficient evidence then we will seek to prosecute you.
“If anyone is in any doubt about using a waste carrier, then you can check whether they’re licensed through the Environment Agency website. And if you have information on any fly-tips, you can always speak to our environmental service team in complete confidence on 01264 368000 or 01794 527700.”
Ms Pearson pleaded guilty in court on February 28 after dumping bags of household rubbish at Genoa Court, and spent a night in custody before being ordered to pay the council’s £120 costs. Mr Lealman admitted his crime on February 27 after he threw away a plastic scooter, hose reel and household waste in Green Drove. He was fined £320 as well as being ordered to pay £30 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.