Rushden fly-tippers fined more than £2,300

Three fly-tippers have been fined £2,309 after waste that was left on the Greenway in Rushden was traced back to them.

On 26 February 2020 a large fly-tip was found by a local woman strewn along the Greenway adjacent to John Clark Way.

Upon closer inspection, the woman noticed there were names and addresses contained within the fly-tip and immediately reported it to East Northamptonshire Council as there appeared to be drug related items among the waste.

ENC officers attended the scene where the fly-tip was cleared and a large number of items of evidence were seized for further investigation.

Three suspects were identified and asked to attend an interview under caution, but none of them co-operated with the investigation and were later summoned to court.

None of the three attended their court hearing and all were found guilty in their absence for littering and fined a total of £2,309.

Cllr Steven North, leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “There is no excuse for fly-tipping and we take any offence very seriously.

"Our officers work tirelessly to investigate all reports of illegally dumped waste and will take action to prosecute fly-tippers.

“The Greenway is a great community asset and acts like this have a negative impact on it.

"In this case, we are extremely grateful that a member of the public came forward and reported it and always appreciate everyone’s help in keeping the district clean and tidy.

“I would encourage anyone to come forward if they spot fly-tipping but also ask that anyone looking to dispose of waste do so appropriately to avoid a fine.”

Grant Hinde of Rushden was fined £582, Elizabeth Lambert was fined £876 and Dion Simpson was fined £851.

All three lived at the same residence.

You can help in the fight against fly-tipping by reporting any offences online at www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling 01832 742026.

To find out about ENC’s bulky waste collection service, visit www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/bulkywaste.

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