Man remanded in custody after being charged with illegally dumping waste at East Northamptonshire beauty spot

A man has been remanded in custody after an Environment Agency raid found waste believed to have been dumped illegally at a rural spot near Fineshade Woods.

The government regulator conducted a joint operation with Northamptonshire police last Friday (September 11) to execute a warrant at a suspected illegal waste site at Monkton Sidings, just off the A43 at Fineshade, which was operating as Abbey Skips.

Following the inspection of the site, two arrests were made and a further person was interviewed under caution as a volunteer.

As a result of the investigation, Stephen Lack, 68, was charged with operating a waste management facility without an environmental permit. He appeared before Northampton Magistrates' Court, from custody, on Wedesday (September 16). Lack, of Monkton Sidings, was sent to the Northampton Crown Court for trial and he was remanded in custody pending his next appearance in October.

The Environment Agency has today reminded local people that they have a legal duty to ensure they are giving their waste to registered carriers and it is taken to authorised permitted sites for treatment or disposal.

Yvonne Daly, Manager at the Environment Agency, said: "The operation of a waste site without regard for the environment and the law have the potential to harm our natural resources, blight communities and undermine the legitimate businesses that do follow the rules.

“Our role is to protect the environment for people and wildlife, so we won’t hesitate to take action against those who put it at risk. And to businesses flouting the rules our message is clear: you won’t get away with it.

“Thanks to Northamptonshire Police for the support and assistance they have given us in this operation."

Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity is reminded to report it to the agendy's 24-hour hotline by calling 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can check your waste collectors waste carriers registration at here or call 03708 506 506.