Two men from Church fined over back alley fly-tipping

Dan Szavui, of Barnes Street, and Richard Owen, of Lion Street, were summoned before Burnley Magistrates' Court, where they both failed to appear on June 29, and were found guilty in their absence of failing to comply with a notice served on them by Hyndburn Council's waste enforcement team.

The first fly-tipping incident took place on or before December 1, when waste enforcement officers encountered approximately one tonne of illegally deposited waste on the alley between Barnes Street and Dineley Street. 

Waste which has been fly-tipped in Church, Accrington (Image: Hyndburn Borough Council)

The waste consisted of full bags, household items including a pram and mattress, broken furniture, and other general rubbish.

Evidence recovered linked it to a property on Barnes Street, which council officers were able to link to the defendant via the council tax register.

 The second incident took place on or before February 10 when waste enforcement officers encountered another approximately one-tonne waste dump on the alley between Lion Street and Barnes Street.

The waste consisted of several bags of refuse and some other rubbish, strewn across the back alley.

Numerous attempts were made by the council to contact the defendants before the notice of prosecution being served. 

Both defendants failed to respond to this notice within the stipulated time and have to date failed to respond to any correspondence from the council in relation to these matters.

 At sentencing, the court heard that the illegal depositing of waste from both defendants' addresses has no doubt caused upset and distress to residents in the area.

The clean-up costs incurred by the council to clear the waste and remediate the area totalled £314.25 for each of the two incidents.

Waste which has been fly-tipped in Church, Accrington (Image: Hyndburn Borough Council)

Szavui was sentenced to a fine of £120. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and full costs to Hyndburn Borough Council including legal fees and clean-up costs of £798.25, to be paid in full within 28 days.

Owen was also sentenced to a fine of £120. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and full costs to Hyndburn Borough Council , including legal fees and clean-up costs of £798.25, to be paid in full within 28 days.

 Councillor Paul Cox, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “There is no excuse for illegally dumping waste. Anyone who chooses to dispose of rubbish irresponsibly risks facing enforcement action.

"This case sends a clear message that we will investigate fly-tipping incidents and take action when offences have been committed. We also encourage residents to check that anyone removing waste on their behalf is properly licensed.”