Fly tipper fined over £680

31 July 2012

South Lakeland District Council has once again carried out a successful prosecution for fly tipping underlining the council’s policy of zero tolerance against anyone who dumps waste illegally. 

At Kendal Magistrates Court today (Tuesday 31 July), Mr John Livesey of Grasmere Crescent, Kendal pleaded guilty to an offence of depositing controlled waste on land where no current waste licence was in force at that time.  He deposited a quantity of building rubble, UPVC window frames, a door and general waste on land at the car park belonging to Kendal Auction Mart. 

Mr Livesey was fined £300 and the council were awarded £368.96 costs and £15 victim surcharge costs.  Mr Livesey apologised to the magistrates and said it was a stupid mistake.

CouncillorClare Feeney-Johnson, portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: “The council will do everything possible to ensure people who dump waste illegally are found and prosecuted.  SLDC have a policy of zero tolerance against fly tipping and this successful prosecution plus the one in May this year sends out a very clear message.  We will continue to work hard to ensure that South Lakeland remains the best place to live, work and visit.” 

Following a report of fly tipping at Kendal Auction Mart, SLDC Enforcement Officers visited the site immediately and sorted through the dumped waste.  They found sufficient evidence indicating that Mr Livesey was responsible for the illegal fly tipping and proceeded with a prosecution. 

SLDC’s Enforcement Officer, John Barwise, added: “SLDC treats environmental crime seriously and we investigate every incident very thoroughly.  We aim to investigate all reports of fly tipping within two working days.  Fly tipping spoils the environment for us all and the public can be reassured that the council will always prosecute offenders.”

SLDC relies on members of the public and legitimate businesses to report any incident with as much detail as possible to help the council bring the culprits to justice.  Anyone who has information about an incident of fly tipping should contact the SLDC Contact Centre on 0845 050 4434 or the Environment Agency on 0800 807 060.