Fly-tipping investigation leads to £650 fine after resident fails to clear waste
A Woodside resident has paid a £650 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) after failing to remove waste dumped on council-owned land at Willowfield, despite being given the opportunity to clear it.
Telford & Wrekin Council received reports of building waste left on council-owned land. Following an investigation, officers identified the source of the waste and contacted the resident responsible.
The resident was given ample opportunity to remove the waste and dispose of it correctly. However, despite repeated requests, no action was taken and the waste remained in place.
As the waste had been left on land for which the Council is responsible, the Council was required to arrange its removal, incurring avoidable costs ultimately borne by taxpayers. A £650 Fixed Penalty Notice was subsequently issued and has since been paid.
A Telford & Wrekin Council spokesperson said: "When waste is left on public land, someone has to pay for its removal. Too often, that cost falls on local taxpayers. In this case, following reports from the community, council officers investigated the matter, identified the source of the waste and contacted the resident responsible.
"The resident was given every opportunity to remove the waste and dispose of it correctly but failed to do so. As a result, the Council had to step in and clear the site.
"We will always seek to resolve issues where possible, but when warnings are ignored and those responsible fail to take action, enforcement action will follow.
"Taking action against fly-tipping helps protect taxpayers' money, keeps our neighbourhoods clean and ensures responsible residents are not left footing the bill for someone else's actions."
Telford & Wrekin Council is reminding residents that there are several legal ways to dispose of waste:
- Use household waste and recycling collections.
- Take waste to the Household Recycling Centres at Hortonwood and Halesfield.
- Arrange a bulky waste collection for larger items.
- Use a licensed waste carrier where appropriate.
Residents can report fly-tipping confidentially at www.telford.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling 01952 388 800.
This enforcement action forms part of the Council's ongoing commitment to keeping Telford and Wrekin cleaner, greener and safer, while protecting public resources and ensuring those responsible for environmental crime are held accountable.