Preston pair running illegal waste tip in Deepdale caught

Waste being kept at the Skeffington Road site Pic: Environment Agency

Two Preston men involved in running an illicit tip and fly-tipping in the city have been given community orders.

An investigation by the Environment Agency into Finney Skeffington Ltd (FSL) found a waste facility was being operated in Skeffington Road, Deepdale.

Jamil Hanif, 49, of Garstang Road, Fulwood and Richard Allen, 39, of Pope Lane, Ribbleton, pleaded guilty in connection with illegal waste activities at the site which was being operated without an environmental permit.

Household and commercial waste, construction debris and car parts were found piled on the plot of land to the east of Skeffington Road on land which had been leased to the firm by Preston City Council.

In November 2021 when the illegal waste first came to light the lease to FSL – a company run by Hanif – was terminated but he continued to use the site.

The company, which was dormant, was carrying out house clearances linked to a rental property business in Hanif’s family.

Allen, who acted under Hanif’s instructions, was responsible for tipping waste at the site.

The site in Skeffington Road being used as an illegal tip Pic: Environment Agency

At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on 29 January the pair of tippers received 12-month community orders requiring them to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

Jamil Hanif was ordered to pay a £1,000 contribution to prosecution costs and a £114 government surcharge.

Richard Allen was ordered to pay a £300 contribution to prosecution costs and a £114 government surcharge.

The pair were caught when further reports were made by nearby residents, including photographic and video evidence, which showed waste being regularly delivered and dumped at the site. Footage showed Allen clearly visible in the tipping of waste.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “This case highlights our commitment to tackling environmental crime. Illegal waste operations pose significant risks to the environment and legitimate businesses.

“We are pleased that the defendants have accepted responsibility for their actions, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.”

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