DODGY scrap metal dealers are being targeted by Warrington council following reports unlicensed mobile collectors have been seen operating illegally in the area.
The council’s public protection team is now urging residents to be vigilant and contact them if they see any suspicious activity.
The team particularly want to hear about activity involving flat back vehicles laden with scrap metal being driven around communities. The team have received reports of illegal collectors using transit vans to collect metal and so would welcome any information relating to this as well.
Legislation was introduced in October 2013 to ensure all mobile scrap metal collectors were licensed with the local authority in the area where they collected.
Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for public protection, said: “Using an unlicensed dealer may result in your scrap being tipped in a field or the side of a road. If the contents of a fly-tip are traced back to you, you could be fined or taken to court.
“Please make sure you only use an approved and licensed dealer.”
Dave Watson, public protection unit manager at Warrington Borough Council, said: “We’ve carried out a number of joint operations with other partner agencies to combat this problem and these operations will continue.
“They not only include patrolling and actively seeking out offenders, but we will work with other agencies to deal with offences such as construction and use of vehicles, insurance and driving offences”.
If you have something that needs removing, those collectors licensed by Warrington Borough Council will do it properly. They have been checked and approved by us and their vehicle will have a dealer’s licence plate displayed.
The complete list of licensed scrap metal dealers can be found on the Warrington Borough Council website: https://www.warrington.gov.uk/downloads/file/14218/list_of_scrap_metal_dealer_licenses
• To report any suspicious behaviour please call 01925 442658.
• Residents are also reminded that Warrington Borough Council operates a free bulky household waste collection service for white goods. To arrange for items to be collected please call 01925 443322.
