Published: 14/07/2017
A LARGE number of household items have been found dumped in Cleator Moor.
Among the items left in an alley between Duke Street and Queen Street were a fridge/freezer, a mattress, a carpet, a chest of drawers, a chair and a television.
Because there was nothing within the fly-tipped items that could identify the culprit, Copeland Council has been forced to remove the waste itself, with the cost falling on the taxpayer.
Copeland Mayor Mike Starkie said: “It’s a disgrace that our towns are being blighted by people who have a complete disregard for others.
“Episodes like this have a devastating impact on the appearance of our local areas, and on our environment. There is no excuse for it and we will not tolerate it.
“We live in a beautiful part of the world and everyone should respect and take pride in it, and the minority who don’t, leave themselves open to legal action.”
Cleator Moor Town Council has written to households in the vicinity of the fly-tipping episode to direct residents to Copeland’s bulky waste collection service or the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Frizington.
Fly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months' imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates' Court. The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to five years’ imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court.
There are also a number of other possible penalties, including fixed penalty notices of between £150 and £400, and seizing a vehicle, and/or its contents, because of suspected involvement in fly-tipping.
Copeland charges £25.50 for a three-item bulky waste collection. To arrange one, call 01946 598300 or info@copeland.gov.uk.
