Flytip pest foots £800 bill after dumping in rural lane
ASKELMERSDALE man was hit with a bill of more than £800 after piles of household rubbish were dumped on a country lane.
Martyn Allen (also known as Martyn Peet), of Hawksclough, Skelmersdale, was prosecuted at Wigan Magistrates’ Court after West Lancashire Borough Council traced the rubbish back to him.
Allen had been paid to clear some of the waste from a West Lancashire home, but first stored it in his own garden with his rubbish.
Instead of then properly disposing of the rubbish, which included a large TV, children’s toys, clothes, and school books, Allen said he paid two men he saw in the street to clear it for him.
However, it was later found dumped on a country road.
West Lancs Council was forced to step in after receiving complaints about the waste being dumped on Long Heys Lane, Dalton.
Council staff then traced some of the rubbish back to the first resident who told them she had paid Allen to remove it.
At Wigan Magistrates’ Court, Allen pleaded guilty to failing to provide waste transfer notes and failing to take reasonable steps to prevent waste from being dumped illegally.
Anyone removing waste as part of a business must have a waste carrier’s licence and give waste transfer notes to whomever they take waste from.
He was fined £120, and ordered to pay costs of £683.89 and pay a £30 victim surcharge, making a total of £833.89.
The council is now warning others that they could be fined if they fail to carry out the proper checks required to ensure any waste they have removed is disposed of legally.
Householders can check if anyone who removes waste from them has a waste carriers’ licence by contacting the Environment Agency online or on 03708 506506.
West Lancashire councillor Kevin Wright said: “With Christmas coming up, this case is a timely reminder of the consequences for people if they do not ensure their rubbish is disposed of properly.
“Many residents have extra household rubbish after the festive season and may be tempted to pay someone to remove it for them.
“But, if it is dumped illegally, those found guilty could pay a heavy price.”
To report any waste which you believe has been disposed of illegally in the West Lancs area, visit www.westlancs.gov. uk/flytipping or call 01695 577 177.