Published August 1, 2023 at 9:46
Rossendale Borough Council have expressed their disappointment with the fine and costs imposed on an offender, who recently appeared before Burnley Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to fly tipping a large amount of household waste.
The Council believes the penalty fails to reflect the seriousness of the offence and its impact on the community and environment.
An investigation by Rossendale Borough Council linked Mr Gavin Wright of Bridge Street Rochdale, to the illegal dumping of waste on Croston Close Road, Edenfield.
The waste had been traced back to an address in Rawtenstall. Mr Wright had been hired by the family of a deceased occupier from Hammer Avenue to dispose of the waste. Gavin Wright, who operates an unlicensed waste removal company and advertises his services on social media, charged the family £450 for the task. He abandoned the waste on an unmade road, posing a threat to the environment and the residents living nearby.
Rossendale Borough Council’s Public Protection Unit carried out an extensive investigation into the fly tipping incident and eventually located Mr Wright to an address in Rochdale.
The recent court judgment ordered Mr Gavin Wright to pay a £120 fine, £200 in costs, £115 in compensation, and a £34 victim surcharge. Rossendale Borough Council believes that this penalty does not serve as a sufficient deterrent for such environmental crimes and will continue its commitment to acting against those who blight the community with their unlawful actions.
Councillor Liz McInnes expressed her disappointment at the level of fine and costs imposed in this case, stating: “It is disheartening to see such a small penalty for a serious offence like this, especially when it poses significant harm to our environment and communities.
“The consequences of illegal waste disposal are far-reaching and not only blight our beautiful valley but can also affect the well-being of our residents.”
She continued by urging residents to be cautious when employing waste removal services, “Rossendale Borough Council would like to remind everyone to verify that individuals or companies offering waste removal services possess a valid Environment Agency Waste Transfer Licence. By doing so, residents can help combat illegal dumping and protect our beautiful borough from environmental harm.”
As part of Operation Trident, an initiative aimed at combatting fly tipping and other environmental offences across the valley, Rossendale Borough Council remains committed to holding offenders accountable and maintaining a high-quality environment.
