Man counts cost after fly-tip blocks country lane

A Cowplain man was ordered to pay more than £500 for his part in a fly-tip that blocked a rural road in Catherington. 

Max Robbins, of London Road, Cowplain, was prosecuted for his involvement in a large, dangerous fly-tip on Lone Barn Lane.  

Reported to the council using Facebook, the tip included car parts and maintenance equipment as well as a large amount of rubble. 

The rubbish had been dumped on a blind bend on the unlit road, posing a danger to motorists and pedestrians. The road was closed for four hours as it was cleared. 

EHDC Enforcement Officers investigated the same day and found items of paperwork relating to Robbins. 

During the investigations Robbins admitted he had paid someone £60 to take away car parts. He could not provide full contact details of the person and had no official paperwork accounting for the transfer of waste.  

Robbins pleaded guilty to failure to comply with his Duty of Care under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.  He received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £21 Victims Support Charge and £500 prosecution costs. 

Cllr Ingrid Thomas, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Quality, said: “When hiring someone to take your waste away make sure you get the right paperwork, and then you can be more confident it is going to be disposed of responsibly. 

“If you don’t and your waste is fly-tipped you could end up being caught with a fine or Fixed Penalty Notice.”  

Visit www.hants.gov.uk/fly-tipping and follow the guidance before allowing waste to be taken.