Buckets of waste left at fly-tip
Third fly-tipping prosecution secured within a week
A successful investigation into a fly-tip along Toothill Road in Romsey has led to a third prosecution within a week for Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), thanks to the help of its neighbouring authority.
Jason Love, of Southampton, admitted to fly-tipping in court on Wednesday (October 21) having previously failed to show up for court on October 16.
Love had been driving along Toothill Road in July last year when he dumped a toilet, broken tiles, plastic buckets and plumbing materials on the side of the road. The fly-tip was witnessed, and council officers then began to investigate the matter and the vehicle involved. Having notified other agencies in an effort to locate the vehicle, the case then came together when patrol officers from Southampton City Council spotted the vehicle involved on Shirley High Street. The patrol team were then able to notify TVBC.
At Southampton Magistrates Court on October 21, Mr Love admitted to dumping the waste. He was handed a £1,600 fine, ordered to pay £839.50 in costs and £240 in compensation. It’s the third fly-tipping prosecution within six days for the council following the guilty pleas of Adam Whitcher and Richard Whittaker.
Environmental portfolio holder, councillor Alison Johnston, said: “This is a fine example of how agencies, whether it’s councils or police, will work together to catch those responsible for this crime. Anyone who believes it’s acceptable to simply dump their waste on the side of the road without consequence is hugely mistaken, and can expect a knock on their door.
“My thanks go to the hard work of our environmental service, our legal team and of course to the great partnership work with Southampton City Council. As ever, if you’re in doubt about your waste, please contact us on 01794 527700 or 01264 368000, and remember to always check your waste carrier’s licence.”
Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Southampton City Council, councillor Dave Shields said: “The cost of constantly clearing dumped rubbish is paid for by every resident in every city, not just the councils that clear it up. This conviction underlines our commitment to working in a joined up way with other authorities.
“Prosecuting someone for fly tipping is the worst possible outcome for everyone, we’d much rather people did the right thing and disposed of rubbish in a socially responsible and environmentally friendly way, through the proper channels, by taking waste to their local Household Waste and Recycling Centre, booking a council bulky waste collection or using a licensed waste carrier.”