Published: 11/12/2017
FURNITURE has been dumped on a rural road in Copeland.
A sofa and a wooden chair were fly-tipped on the road to Nethertown train station, and have now been removed by Copeland Council's waste team at a cost to the taxpayer.
Mark Holliday, Copeland Council's Portfolio Holder for Waste, said: “It’s a disgrace that our area is being blighted by people who have a complete disregard for others.
“Episodes of fly-tipping have a devastating impact on the appearance of our local areas, and on our environment. That’s not to mention the cost on this Council – and ultimately the taxpayer – of cleaning it up if it’s on our land. 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 action.”
The Council announced in October an increase in fines for fly-tippers from £200 to £250. It can also prosecute more serious cases of fly-tipping, which is punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court.
Coun Holliday added: “It’s worth pointing out to people that they must ensure that if they bring in someone to take away bulky waste on their behalf, they must ensure that they are registered with the Environment Agency to carry waste and have a waste carriers licence.
“We have had cases where someone has found themselves being investigated for fly-tipping because they brought in a firm they saw advertised on social media, who picked up their items and simply dumped them elsewhere.”
Copeland Council charges £25.50 for a three-item bulky waste collection. To arrange one, call 01946 598300 or email info@copeland.gov.uk.
