A man from Coventry has been fined £1,694 after his waste was found fly-tipped in Wootton.
It is the latest success of Bedford Borough Council’s campaign against environmental crime and saw Michael Cawley of Renfrew Walk, Coventry, taken to court following the council’s investigation.
In July 2022, the Bedford Borough Council Enviro Crime team responded to a report of fly-tipping in an entrance to a field in Hall End Road, Wootton. During a search of the waste, items were found connecting it to Michael Cawley of Renfrew Walk, Coventry.
He was then requested to attend an interview under caution but he did not. He instead told officers that he had sold his van with the fly-tipped waste in it.
Undeterred, officers then served a notice under Section 108 of the Environment Act requiring further information about who the vehicle was sold to. When the offender did not respond to the notice, or provide any further help to the Council with its enquiries, the matter was brought before the courts.
Michael Cawley was ordered to pay a £660 fine, £770 costs and a £264 victim surcharge at Luton Magistrates Court on 28 July 2023. He failed to attend court and was found guilty in his absence of obstructing the Council’s investigation.
“Our teams and volunteers work really hard to keep Bedford Borough safe, clean and looking its best,” said Cllr Jim Weir, portfolio holder for environment, highways and transport.
“Fly-tipped waste poses a risk to pets and wildlife and can attract vermin such as rats, further to this, the money spent on cleaning up after people that choose to fly-tip could be much better used elsewhere.
“I would like to thank the community, along with Council staff, for their help in reporting fly-tipping when they see it, enabling our Enviro Crime team to investigate and arrange for the waste to be removed.”
If you seen any fly-tipping in Bedford Borough youc an report it online here.
The Council is also encouraging local residents to help identify individuals caught fly-tipping on camera. These images can be seen on the council’s website here.
