[C]OPELAND Council has introduced stricter measures to combat fly-tipping in the borough.
The Council agreed this week to issue culprits with a £250 fixed penalty notice for the offence, an increase from the previously imposed £200.
Councillor Mark Holliday, Portfolio Holder for Waste, said: “It’s a disgrace that our towns and rural areas are being blighted by people who have a complete disregard for others.
“Episodes of fly-tipping have a devastating impact on the appearance of our local areas, and on our environment. That’s not to mention the cost on this Council – and ultimately the taxpayer – of cleaning it up if it’s on our land. There is no excuse for it and we will not tolerate it.
“We live in a beautiful part of the world and everyone should respect and take pride in it, and the minority who don’t, leave themselves open to action.”
On average, Copeland deals with around 400 incidents of fly-tipping every year on land it owns. The most serious incidents this year include a large pile of industrial cables left on a rural road between Pica and Asby, and a number of household items, including a fridge/freezer and mattress, dumped in an alley between Duke Street and Queen Street in Cleator Moor.
The Council can prosecute more serious cases of fly-tipping, which is punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court.
Coun Holliday added: “It’s worth pointing out to people that they must ensure that if they bring in someone to take away bulky waste on their behalf, they must ensure that they are registered with the Environment Agency to carry waste and have a waste carriers licence.
“We have had cases where someone has found themselves being investigated for fly-tipping because they brought in a firm they saw advertised on social media, who picked up their items and simply dumped them elsewhere.”
Copeland Council charges £25.50 for a three-item bulky waste collection. To arrange one, call 01946 598300 or email [email protected].
