Published: 11/04/2018
Copeland Borough Council has fined a householder after waste was illegally tipped on a picturesque rural road.
The council served a £250 fixed penalty notice on the resident, who claimed they had paid a 'man with a van' to take away the waste, believing it would be dealt with properly.
The extensive fly-tip, which contained a mixture of general household waste, was left on the fell road between Wath Brow and Brisco Mount in March.
Coun Mark Holliday, Copeland's portfolio holder for customers and communities, said: "Hopefully this will act as a deterrent. We will certainly use our powers whenever we can to crack down on this disgusting type of crime.
"If you are paying someone to remove your waste, you need to ask to see their waste carrier license. If they don't have one, your waste will more than likely end up despoiling the countryside - and you could get fined as it's the householder's responsibility to make sure waste is properly disposed of."
As well as issuing fines to fly-tippers, councils can also prosecute - the offence can carry a fine of up to £50,000 or a year-long prison sentence.
Coun Holliday added: "The council offers a collection service for larger items, which are often flytipped. It costs £25.50 for up to three items. We would urge people to either use a registered carrier, or contact us for a pick-up. It's not worth risking being fined and blighting our beautiful landscape.”
Residents can arrange a ‘bulky waste’ collection by calling 01946 588300 or emailing info@copeland.gov.uk.
