A woman has been fined after nearly a tonne of waste was dumped behind neighbouring homes.
April Ashton, of Stanley Street, Accrington, was found guilty in her absence at Burnley Magistrates’ Court of failing to comply with a notice issued by Hyndburn Council’s waste enforcement team in connection with a fly-tipping investigation.
The fly-tipping occurred on or before November 27, 2025, and involved around one tonne of illegally dumped waste in the alley between Stanley Street and Bold Street.
Evidence found in the rubbish linked it to a property on Stanley Street, which the council traced to Ashton using the council tax register.
Despite multiple attempts to contact her, Ashton did not respond to enforcement officers or the notice of prosecution.
Councillor Paul Cox, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “Fly‑tipping causes real harm to local communities and to the environment, no matter where waste is illegally dumped.
"This case shows that the Council will investigate incidents thoroughly and take formal action where there is clear evidence.
"We would also remind residents to always check that anyone removing waste on their behalf is properly licensed.”
At sentencing, the court heard that the incident had caused distress to residents, damaged the environment, and left the council with a clean-up bill of £314.
Ashton was fined £120 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48, along with full costs to Hyndburn Council, including legal fees and clean-up charges, totalling £798.
She must pay the full amount within 28 days.
Mr Cox said: “I hope the Council’s action in enforcing this case will act as a deterrent to anyone considering fly tipping in the future.
"If we can find evidence, we will prosecute no matter how big or small the offence.”
The council is encouraging residents to report fly-tipping and to use only licensed waste carriers when disposing of rubbish, warning that householders can be held responsible if their waste is illegally dumped by a third party.
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