A BASILDON resident has been ordered to pay £872 after admitting responsibility for illegally dumping waste in the borough.
On 19 April 2022, a Basildon Council Enforcement Officer attended Rookyards, Basildon, following reports of fly-tipped waste. The waste included five pink sacks, a sofa, two mattresses and broken-up wooden furniture.
During the investigation, officers recovered evidence linking the waste to Ms Toni Lee Graham, of Rookyards, Basildon. A letter was sent requesting an explanation as to why the waste had been left at the location, however no response was received.
As a result, Basildon Council issued a Fixed Penalty Notice for an offence under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. When the notice remained unpaid, the case was referred to court.
At Basildon Magistrates’ Court on 17 June, Ms Graham admitted the offence and was ordered to pay a fine of £480, prosecution costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £192, totalling £872.
Cllr Andrew Baggott, Cabinet Member for Law and Order, said:
“Fly-tipping is a criminal offence that damages our local environment and costs taxpayers money to clear up. We will continue to take action against those who illegally dispose of waste and will not hesitate to prosecute offenders where appropriate.
“We encourage residents to dispose of their waste responsibly and report incidents of fly-tipping so that we can help keep Basildon clean and safe for everyone.”
Residents can report fly-tipping through Basildon Council’s website.
