Last updated 13:02, Friday, 28 November 2008

COVERT cameras have helped catch a fly-tipping gang in the act.

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CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Paul Rex Herrington, in the dark jacket, circled, is seen leaning against the side of the van while Damian Craig, in the high visibility jacket, throws tyres from the back

Paul Rex Herrington, 49, of Brook Street, Barrow, was the fourth person snared during Operation Ding Dong Three.

Environmental hit squad officers had the bottom of Avon Street, Walney, under surveillance for two days to catch the quartet in the act of being involved in dumping at a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Herrington had denied the charge but was found guilty of knowingly permitting or knowingly allowing controlled waste to be deposited on land on February 29, after a trial at Furness Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Herrington was driving a van from which Damian Craig threw out tyres on to the saltmarsh and was fined £200 and £800 prosecution costs.

In September unemployed dad-of-two Craig was fined £400 and charged £800 prosecution costs. He said, in his defence, he had left the tyres for the crab fishermen who often used them.

Also caught during the operation in February was Terry Palmer, 51, of King Alfred Street, Walney.

He pleaded guilty to depositing waste without a licence, handling waste without taking reasonable measures and being the person engaged in transporting controlled waste on February 29.

He dumped bags of commercial waste.

The self-employed painter and decorator, who runs Brushstrokes, was ordered to pay £1,000 and £800 in court costs.

The other man, 25-year-old Ryan Burns, of Long Bank, Barrow, was fined £300 and ordered to pay a contribution of £500 towards the prosecution costs after being caught on camera dumping rubbish.

Gary Ormondroyd, the council’s chief environmental officer, said: “Operation Ding Dong Three is an excellent example of multi-agency working to combat the scourge of fly-tipping.

“It was particularly important at this site as Natural England consider fly-tipping at this location can cause serious damage to what they call an internationally important habitat.”

South Walney and Piel Channel is an SSSI site due to the way it was formed and the habitats that have been created as a result.

Walney and the surrounding inter-tidal zones are rich in environmental features that have attracted the attention of conservationists worldwide.

Matt Crump, environment agency manager, said: “Fly-tipping in this area has been a serious problem, which could damage a sensitive environmental habitat.

“Through close joint working with Barrow Borough Council we have ensured the successful prosecution of several offenders. We will continue to monitor the area to combat the environmental risks.”

If anyone sees any incidents of fly tipping, they can report this by calling the incident line on 0800 8070 60.