Last updated at 12:14, Wednesday, 16 January 2013

A WINDERMERE fly tipper has been hit with a heavy fine after pleading guilty at Kendal Magistrates Court yesterday.

Thomas Nigel Richardson, of Claife Avenue, was accused of depositing controlled waste on land where no current waste licence was in force at that time

The court heard the 19-year-old deposited tins of paint, which spilled out creating a potential hazard for wildlife, a lawn mower, paper, a chair and general bagged waste in a wooded area in Church Road at Witherslack, just off the public highway.

South Lakeland District Council brought about the prosecution as part of its zero-tolerance policy against illegal dumping of waste.

Mr Richardson was ordered to pay a fine of £250.00, a victim surcharge of £15.00 and the council’s prosecution costs totalling £440.24. He was given credit for his guilty plea as otherwise the fine would have been more.

SLDC enforcement officer, John Barwise, said: “SLDC treats environmental crime seriously and we investigate all reports of fly tipping very thoroughly and aim to do so within two working days.

"Following a report of fly tipping we visited the site immediately and sorted through the dumped waste, found sufficient evidence and proceeded with a prosecution. Fly tipping spoils the environment for everyone and the public can be reassured that the council will always prosecute offenders.”

Councillor Clare Feeney-Johnson, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “This case follows a number of successful prosecutions the council has carried out against people who dump waste illegally.

"SLDC have a policy of zero tolerance against fly tipping and the council will always do everything possible to find offenders and prosecute them. We will continue to work hard to ensure that South Lakeland remains the best place to live, work and explore.”

Anyone who has information about an incident of fly tipping should contact the SLDC Contact Centre on 0845 050 4434 or the Environment Agency on 0800 807 060.

First published at 12:13, Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk