A man has been told to pay more than £1,200 after pleading guilty to illegal fly-tipping in Bitton.
Richard Thomas, 59, of Estcourt Gardens, Park Road Stapleton, was sentenced at Northavon Magistrates’ Court on 26th March following an investigation by South Gloucestershire Council’s environmental crime enforcement team.
The court heard that Mr Thomas was seen emptying two builders’ bags of waste at Mill Lane in the centre of the village in September 2013. Video footage taken by a passer-by was later passed to council officers who launched an investigation.
Mr Thomas was fined £690 with £450 costs and a victim surcharge of £69, totalling £1,209.
Cllr Claire Young
Chair of the council’s Communities Committee, Cllr Claire Young, said: “Fly-tipping is an eyesore, can be hazardous to residents and creates costs for taxpayers who ultimately have to pay for its removal.
“It’s easy to dispose of household or garden waste legally at our Sort IT!* centres so there really is no excuse for this behaviour. I commend the local resident who reported this crime and hope this prosecution will serve as a reminder to anyone involved in the illegal dumping of waste that if you fly-tip rubbish in South Gloucestershire, you will be prosecuted.”
Unwanted goods and household or garden waste can be disposed of at no cost via the council’s Sort IT!* centres.
Residents who see illegal fly-tipping are encouraged to report it by contacting the Street Care helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping
