Rushden rogue builder handed fine for dumping waste on Wellingborough allotments

A vehicle belonging to Darren Edwards, 37, of Croft Way, Rushden was caught on CCTV arriving at Nettlebush allotments off Finedon Road, Wellingborough carrying a load of building waste and leaving empty.

Wellingborough Norse investigated the matter, interviewing Edwards who claimed that a colleague dumped the waste using his vehicle. Following further investigation of the former colleague, this proved inconclusive.

As registered keeper of the vehicle Edwards was prosecuted by Wellingborough Council and its partner Wellingborough Norse under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. After failing to attend a court hearing in Northampton on September 3, a warrant without bail was issued for his arrest.

Edwards surrendered to the warrant and claimed that he hadn’t received the summons at his new address. He was re-bailed to attend court on Monday (December 16) and he pleaded guilty to fly-tipping and was issued with a fine of £1,354 plus £1,700 costs and a £135 victim surcharge.

The Leader of the Borough Council of Wellingborough, Cllr Martin Griffiths, said: “This is an example of blatant disregard from someone who did not wish to dispose of their trade waste at a licensed disposal site, and dumped this at an allotment.

“Where we find evidence we will prosecute those responsible for fly-tipping. We would like to thank all residents and businesses who help us to reduce waste in our borough and dispose of their rubbish appropriately.

“We are fortunate to live in a borough that has beautiful countryside and large areas of open space. We will not tolerate this despicable crime.”

One of Mr Edwards' businesses, Remi Willow, was formally dissolved after being struck off last month.