A van being towed away which was involved in fly-tipping, and bin bags dumped in Fulwood

These are the cars left dumped on Preston’s street and the fly-tippers caught during the last year.

Preston City Council has given an update on the battle against those dumping rubbish illegally on the city’s side roads and cycle paths.

Advertisements

Abandoned vehicles are left scattered across the city and the city council has the power to size the cars and either crush them or sell them at auction.

The following vehicles have been dealt with:

Peugeot Boxer Van HG03BKV – seized in April – used by unauthorised waste carriers and unlicensed scrap dealers – vehicle crushed.

Mercedes Skip lorry CN03RVR – seized in April – connected to rogue skip hire business – vehicle sent to auctions.

Ford Transit tipper T781RPT – seized in October – connected to fly tipping incident – owner not traced – vehicle crushed.

Ford Transit van NX52GZW – seized in November – connected to fly tipping incidents – owner not traced – vehicle crushed.

Read more: Fly-tipping blocks cycle path in Avenham

Those found guilty of fly-tipping

Four prosecutions have been brought for abandoning waste in the city.

Claire Cushnaghan was prosecuted in March for obstructing enquiries into a fly tipping incident – she received penalties to the sum of £1716 (including fines and costs).

Jason Eastaugh was prosecuted in May for obstructing enquiries into illegal disposal of his trade waste. He received penalties to the sum of £1056 (including fines and costs).

James Minto was summonsed in July 2016 for breach of duty of care in respect of disposal of waste linked to a fly tipping incident. He was also summonsed for unlicensed scrap dealing. He has pleaded guilty to the offences and sentencing has been deferred due to his experiencing bouts of ill health which coincide with scheduled appearances in court. Result still pending.

Daniel Phillipson was prosecuted in November for breach of duty of care offences in relation to disposal of his trade waste which was involved in a fly tipping incident. He received penalties to the sum of £1274 (including fines and costs).

Patrick Gavin appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (21 December) in respect of unauthorised carriage of waste and unlicensed scrap dealing. He was found guilty in his absense of transporting waste without a licence and operating as a scrap metal dealer without a licence. He was fined £660 in fines, £330 towards prosecution costs and £66 victims surcharge.

This was the vehicle used by Patrick Gavin

Read more: Constant fly-tipping has tipped this Prestonian over the edge

There are a number of pending cases which are due to go to court in the coming days and weeks:

Patrick Gavin due to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on 21/12/16 in respect of unauthorised carriage of waste and unlicensed scrap dealing. Result awaited.

Two males from Lancaster awaiting summonses for obstructing enquiries into fly tipping incidents in the Preston area.

Two males from Preston awaiting summonses for offences related to fly tipping & unauthorised carriage of waste.

Advertisements

Three males from Preston & Longridge are awaiting summonses for numerous offences linked to a rogue skip hire business connected to fly tipping offences and management of illegal waste disposal sites.

How much fly-tipping costs Preston

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet member for community and environment, said: “Fly tipping is an issue a lot of people feel strongly about and our enforcement team work tirelessly to investigate incidents across the city.

“Keeping the city clear of fly tipping, litter and graffiti ultimately costs the tax payer almost £2m per year. With ever increasing pressure on council budgets, this takes money away from other vital services.

“We do have a Litterline telephone number and online form where people can report fly tipping to us and I would encourage Prestonians to take pride in their community and help us put a to stop this inexcusable behaviour.”

How do I report fly tipping in Preston?

Preston City Council is responsible for monitoring and collecting items which have been dumped illegally.

You can report fly tipping by calling 01772906909 or using an online form to report it.

You can also use the website fixmystreet – which shows all reports in the area.

Staying safe

never touch the waste: fly tipped waste can be dangerous – it may contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances

never disturb the site – there may be evidence that could help identify the fly-tippers and lead to their prosecution

never approach anyone you see fly tipping – they could become violent