Skelmersdale woman fined for fly-tipping after action by West Lancashire Council

Jul 2 2009 by Michael Byrne, Skelmersdale Advertiser

A SKELMERSDALE woman has been fined more than £1,000 for dumping her waste.

Tracey Maguire, of Fairlie, Skelmersdale was found guilty At Ormskirk Magistrates’ Court of a spate of offences and will have to pay a total of £1,334.91 for carelessly disposing of her rubbish.

On three separate occasions Ms Maguire dumped numerous bin bags near to her home and following several complaints the Council's Street Scene Officers investigated and traced the waste to her.

Ms Maguire did not turn up to attend the court hearing and she was found guilty in her absence of the three offences.

She was fined £350 for each offence and required to pay a £15 victim surcharge and the Council's court costs of £269.91. The grand total she will have to pay is £1,334.91.

Cllr Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community Services and Health, said: “To repeatedly dump her waste shows that this person has no regard for her neighbourhood or the local environment and we take a dim view of this – as do the courts.

“The hefty fine is a good result for us and clearly sends out the message that if people do not dispose of their waste properly we will take action.

“It also shows that the courts are not afraid to dish out high fines to individuals.

“Our Street Scene officers do a great job in patrolling the borough for waste offences and will respond to complaints. So be warned that if they catch you, they will take legal action if necessary."

You can help in the fight against litter by reporting fly-tippers to the Council on 01695 577177 or on the website www.westlancs.gov.uk/envhealth.