NFU welcomes crackdown on fly-tipping by East Herts Council and Hertfordshire Constabulary
Fly-tippers have been fined thousands of pounds as East Herts Council and Hertfordshire police crack down on offenders.
The local authority said “several” penalties “amounting to upwards of £3,000” have been issued to individuals and companies across the district.
A business was held accountable for two fly-tipping incidents in Braughing. The culprit received a 24-month community protection warning as well as a fine.
Three other companies were fined in connection with these incidents for not ensuring their waste was disposed of appropriately.
Following an investigation, it was discovered an individual without a waste carrier’s licence dumped metal and ash at Hooks Cross Farm in Watton-at-Stone without the landowner’s permission. As well as receiving a fixed penalty notice, the individual was ordered to clear the waste they dumped.
Cllr Tim Hoskin, EHC’s executive member for environmental sustainability, said: “The council remains vigilant to fly-tipping offences in our district. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hertfordshire police in preserving the beautiful and characterful natural environment of East Herts, while also acting to encourage a safe and clean district our residents and communities can be proud of.”
Sgt David Miller, from the East Herts Rural neighbourhood policing team, said: “We’re continuing to work alongside our partners and the rural community to help reduce incidents of fly-tipping as we understand the impact it can have on hardworking farmers and landowners.
“Officers have been visiting farmers to pass on crime prevention advice and discuss any concerns. Regular patrols are being carried out, utilising our off-road vehicles to cover more ground.”
“If you witness any suspicious activity in progress, please call 999 straight away, giving as much information as possible about any vehicles involved. We’d rather attend to find that everything is in order than miss an opportunity to catch a potential criminal in the act.”
Emily Brown, the National Farmers’ Union adviser for Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire, said: “We are very pleased to see some positive action on fly-tipping. [It] continues to be a major issue for our members in Hertfordshire and this sends a message that it will not be tolerated.
“With farmers and landowners often legally responsible for the clear-up of rubbish dumped on their land, this has a serious financial impact. It also impacts farmers’ ability to produce food for the nation.
“Fly-tipping blights the countryside, harms the environment and is a massive strain on the public purse as local authorities and the Environment Agency tackle rubbish dumped on public land.
“More needs to be done to tackle industrial-scale fly-tipping in Hertfordshire and we will continue to work with the police and councils to bring those responsible to justice.
“We need the public’s support, so I would urge anyone with information about fly-tipping incidents to report them to the police as a matter of urgency.”
