Waste worker prosecuted for flytipping

Joshua Bridge, 19, of Avon Road, Cannock was asked by bosses at Crystal Cut Diamond Drilling Ltd to take the rubbish to the tip. On finding the tip closed, he dumped it on Forestry Commission land instead.

Forestry Commission workers witnessed Mr Bridge in his works van leaving several black bags worth of waste at Rifle Range Corner in Cannock Forest on 16 May this year.

Mr Bridge was traced through his company, who deal with the disposal of hazardous materials including asbestos. Bosses helped Council investigators throughout the enquiry and provided a statement as part of the prosecution.

The waste left behind at the popular beauty spot included paperwork, food wrappers and general office waste.

Mr Bridge pleaded guilty to the event at Stafford Magistrates saying it was an act of immaturity and stupidity; he was fined £100 (reduced from £150 due to an early guilty plea), costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £15. 

Cllr Janos Toth, Deputy Leader of the Council and Environment Portfolio Leader, said: "Flytipping is a reckless and thoughtless act which damages our environment and ruins other people's enjoyment of our surroundings.

"I'm pleased to hear that Mr Bridge recognises the immaturity and stupidity of his actions and that his prosecution will remind others to think before they dump waste in our District.

"This incident is made all the more stupid given Mr Bridge's line of work, but I'm sure he will learn from this and pay for the damage done.

"The Council will always seek a prosecution for flytipping and, as other recent incidents show, we are committed to tackling this behaviour."

Andy Coggins, Recreation Manager for the Forestry Commission at Birches Valley, said: "I hope that this conviction will send a message to anyone else thinking of dumping litter that it simply isn't worth it.

"Cannock Chase is one of the most beautiful areas in England and we want to keep it that way for all people who visit to enjoy."

Cllr Toth also appealed for people in the District to report flytipping to the Council. A £100 reward is available for information that leads to a successful prosecution.

Residents who see someone tipping rubbish are asked to make a note of the time and date, location, description of waste tipped, vehicle registration number and, if possible, a description of the flytippers themselves.

These details can then be passed on to Cannock Chase Council as soon as possible on 01543 462621. An online form can also be completed at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Log on to www.recycleforstaffordshire.org for more information about household recycling centres in the District.