Fly-tipper who did THIS to Preston Cemetery is caught and fined

Is there a clue as to who did this amongst the rubbish? Pic: Jack Varey

A man has been fined after turning Preston Cemetery and a former church car park into a dumping ground.

Waste was found scattered across the cemetery in September by dog walkers triggering outrage from those who have loved ones buried there.

Scott Smith, 31, was successfully prosecuted by Preston City Council for three offences.

Smith, of Riverside Caravan Park, Banks, Southport, was found to have dumped garden waste, building waste and other household waste in the car park of St Teresa’s Church Hall in Fishwick during 21 September last year.

The mess left by Smith in the St Teresas car park

Council enforcement officers went through the waste and found evidence linking it to an address in Neston Street.

When officers called round to the house they found household waste building up in the rear garden of the property in Fishwick.

An incident in Preston Cemetery on 26 September aroused the suspicions of an enforcement officer – when black bags and other waste were found strewn around the Cemetery.

The enforcement officer recognised the waste – found along a 30metre stretch of path in the Cemetery – as that he had seen in the back yard of the property in Neston Street.

Cleaning up the fly tipping at the Cemetery

Smith claimed he had engaged a local waste carrier to dispose of the waste.

There was no record found of this and Smith was also found to have no scrap metal collector’s licence.

Director of environment at the city council Adrian Phillips said: “Thanks to the rigorous investigations and continued good work of council officers, we have successfully prosecuted another individual for fly-tipping offences.

“This sends a message to residents that we do take action and operate a robust policy to fly-tipping and waste offences.”

Smith was fined £700 for three fly-tipping offences and was also fined a £30 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £150 prosecution costs.

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

Have you ever experienced fly tipping? How is it where you are? Let us know in the comments below