Heavy fine threat for fly-tipping offences

Fly-tippers across the Stafford borough or people who fail to ensure their waste materials are properly disposed of are being warned that they will face heavy fines if they dump rubbish in the countryside.

Councillor Stan Highfield, cabinet member for environment and health at Stafford Borough Council, said they would not hesitate to prosecute people who did not ensure rubbish was disposed of properly. The warning comes after a number of recent fly-tipping incidents.

At the end of last month a man was ordered to pay more than £500 in costs at Stafford Magistrates Court after being found guilty of hiring someone to dump rubbish for him in Beechdale Lane, Stone.

The offender pleaded guilty under Environmental Protection Law. The legislation was introduced to tackle problems relating to fly tipping.

The man who he hired failed to dispose the rubbish and just dumped it. The rubbish included carpet, tiles, a kitchen basin and bathroom fittings.

Councillor Highfield said: "We have a beautiful countryside across our borough and local people who care about their environment are justifiably furious when they see it used as a dumping ground.

"If you are hiring somebody to get rid of the rubbish for you then please make sure they have the correct permit to do so. If you are unsure then contact the borough council.

"Residents have told us they want us to use our powers under environment legislation to stamp out this type of offence. It is a crime on our countryside and I would ask anyone with information on fly tipping to tell us immediately."

Stafford Borough Council made history 12 months ago when a man was found guilty and made to pay £1,800 in fines and costs after rubbish was dumped in a country lane in the village of Tittensor, Stone – the first trial for the offence at crown court in the UK.