Fly-tipping costs Rugeley Man

Cannock Chase Council has successfully prosecuted a local man after building waste was dumped on land off the A5 in Cannock, costing the Rugeley man over £700 in fines.

In November 2016 building waste was dumped overnight on land off the A5 in Bridgtown, Cannock.  Documentation was found in the waste, which linked it to a property in Stafford.

Following investigations officers found that Mr Smith had advertised his waste disposal services on Facebook and that he had been paid to remove the waste and dispose of it correctly.

Brad Smith from Rugeley appeared in Newcastle Under Lyme Magistrates Court on 29 January 2018, where he pleaded guilty to a breach of section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.  As a result he was fined £250 and ordered to pay costs of £450 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Councillor John Preece, Environment Portfolio Leader said “I would urge everyone in the District to be the Council’s eyes and ears and to report any fly tipping to us. We are determined to stamp out these rogue operators, who blight our communities and our countryside by illegally dumping waste, but we do need the public’s help. This case demonstrates that, when we have the evidence, we will be rigorous in pursuing the offender and securing a conviction.

We would also strongly recommend that members of the public, check the credentials of anyone offering waste disposal services especially when using the services of those advertising on social media. A list of legitimate registered waste carriers is available on the Environment Agency’s website. Making a note of the vehicle and its registration number as well as obtaining a receipt from the waste carrier is strongly recommended.

This case was reported by a member of the public and we’re delighted to be able to offer £100 reward as the evidence has led to a successful prosecution in relation to a fly tipping incident.”

Anyone who witnesses fly tipping in the District is urged to report it to Cannock Chase Council by calling 01543 462621. Key information to pass on includes:

• The date and time of the incident
• The model, make, registration number and colour of any vehicle used
• A description of the offender or offenders
• Details of any documents in the waste