Businessman hit by £900 bill for fly-tipping
ABUSINESSMAN will have to pay out more than £900 after being prosecuted for fly-tipping in West Lancashire
Daniel Brown, of Valentine Road, Newton-leWillows, pleaded guilty at Wigan Magistrates Court to dumping items of furniture off College Road, Up Holland.
Magistrates heard how some rubbish was found on April 5 this year and traced back to Mr Brown by officers from West Lancs Borough Council.
He subsequently admitted in an interview with council officers to abandoning some items in Up Holland.
He also told officers his intention was to return at a later date and set fire to the items, leading to the council taking the matter to court.
Brown pleaded guilty to fly-tipping and was fined £220. He was also ordered to pay a £22 victim surcharge and £697.37 costs, making a total of £939.37.
This case is the latest in a series of successful prosecutions against people from outside West Lancs who have dumped rubbish in the borough.
Portfolio holder for health and community safety, Cllr Kevin Wright, said: “The council is continuing to work hard to tackle fly-tipping and this case sends a strong message to all those thinking of illegally dumping waste in our area.
“Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence with fines of up to £50,000 possible for individuals found guilty of offences. There is no limit to the fines businesses could face if they are prosecuted.”
If you think waste has been disposed of illegally, this can be reported to the council 24 hours a day on their website www.westlancs.gov.uk/flytipping.
Or you can call 01695 577177 between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.