A Bolton resident has received a £1,776 financial penalty for fly tipping on land owned by the Woodland Trust at Smithills Estate, despite being given the opportunity to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice
The incident occurred on Coal Pit Road, where an Environmental Enforcement Officer from Bolton Council attended following a report from the Woodland Trust’s Assistant Site Manager.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 11 black bags of waste and loose rubbish dumped down an embankment on the conservation charity’s land
During their investigations, Bolton Council found evidence within the dumped bags which identified the offender as Shahzeb Mukhtar of Fawcett Street, Bolton.
Mukhtar was issued an FPN of £600 and despite reminders and opportunities to pay at a discounted rate, the penalty remained unpaid, resulting in the matter progressing to court.
On 23 February, Bolton Magistrates Court subsequently imposed a total penalty of £1,776 for the fly-tipping offence. This figure consisted of a £884 fine, £538 costs and £354 victim surcharge.
Cllr Richard Silvester, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said:
"Our green spaces are for everyone to enjoy, not dumping grounds for waste.
“Fly-tipping is not only unsightly but also costly to clear and harmful to nature.
“This case sends a clear message that we will take firm action against those responsible, including issuing fines and pursuing prosecutions where necessary."
Residents should dispose of waste responsibly and report any incidents of fly tipping to help protect the borough’s green spaces and reduce environmental crime.