A Warrington woman has been ordered to pay more than £1,200 after a council investigation linked waste dumped in a residential alleyway to her address.
Leokadia Kaniecka, of Hardy Street, Warrington, appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court after Warrington Borough Council officers traced fly-tipped waste found in the Orford area to her address.
Council officers investigated reports of furniture packaging and cardboard boxes that had been dumped in an alleyway on Sharp Street. During the investigation, evidence recovered from the waste enabled officers to identify and trace it back to Ms Kaniecka.
A Fixed Penalty Notice was subsequently issued for failing to comply with household waste duty of care requirements. When the penalty remained unpaid, the matter was referred to court.
At Warrington Magistrates’ Court, Ms Kaniecka pleaded guilty to offences arising from the investigation.
Taking account of the guilty plea, magistrates imposed a £143 fine, together with a £57 victim surcharge, prosecution costs of £780 and clean-up costs of £300, bringing the total financial penalty to £1,280.
Councillor John Kerr-Brown, Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Public Protection, said: “Waste left in alleyways and other public spaces can quickly become an eyesore for local residents and attract further littering. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure their waste is stored and disposed of correctly.
“Taking shortcuts can have a negative impact on neighbourhoods and create unnecessary costs for the council and taxpayers.
“Our enforcement officers will continue to investigate reports of fly-tipping and take action where evidence identifies those responsible.”
Residents have a legal duty of care to ensure their household waste is disposed of responsibly. This includes checking that anyone removing waste on their behalf is authorised to do so and is a registered waste carrier.
The council continues to investigate reports of fly-tipping and will take enforcement action where evidence identifies those responsible.
Residents can report fly-tipping and find advice on responsible waste disposal by visiting warrington.gov.uk.
