Rushden resident fined over £1000 for illegal fly tipping

22 October 2021

A woman from Rushden has been ordered to pay just over £1000 in fines and costs after fly- tipped rubbish investigated by Council Officers led back to her.

In February 2020, Officers from East Northamptonshire Council’s (now part of North Northamptonshire Council) Waste team attended and conducted an investigation of fly tipping on the spur road just off the John Clarke Way roundabout on the A6, just outside Rushden.

Officers found a large pile of household waste and evidence which related back to Amanda Jeffers of Wentworth Road, Rushden.

Ms Jeffers admitted that she had a backlog of waste and was approached by a man who offered to remove and dispose of the rubbish. Ms Jeffers accepted the services of the man but did not confirm his identity or that the waste would be dealt with responsibly.

Ms Jeffers admitted that, ultimately, she was responsible for the waste and was offered a Fixed Penalty Notice, however she then failed to respond to any further communications and did not pay the fine.

The Council has a zero-tolerance policy for matters of this type and referred  the matter to the Magistrate. Ms Jeffers appeared at Wellingborough Magistrates Court on 12 October 2021 and pleaded guilty to the offence, where she was ordered to pay just over £1000 in fines and costs.

This case highlights the importance of ensuring anyone you pay to dispose of waste is a licensed carrier. It is vital that you check their identity and ask questions about how the waste will be disposed of. Our officers are keen to assist and guide you, if you are unsure; including listing local licensed operators for you to prevent the need for enforcement. Alternatively, you can use one of our household recycling centres or book a bulky waste collection.Cllr Graham Lawman, NNC Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets

At our August meeting of the Executive, we agreed to adopt a strategy that will continue to tackle the issue of littering and fly-tipping in North Northamptonshire, including cases like this. Our Officers work tirelessly, and as this case shows, we have a zero-tolerance policy on fly-tipping and will send cases to the courts, if necessary.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

To dispose of waste responsibly, please visit one of the Household Waste Recycling Centres (commonly known as ‘Tips’) across the area or find out about bulky waste collection services in your area.