Two fined over fly-tipping in East Herts

Two men have been fined after being caught fly-tipping in East Herts.

Police received a call at just after 1.30pm on Wednesday 3 July reporting that two mattresses had just been dumped on farmland in Brent Pelham.

The offenders then left in a van, travelling towards Buntingford.

Officers from the East Herts Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) quickly attended and conducted a search of the area.

The van was subsequently located and stopped on the A507.

Fast time enquiries were carried out and it was established that those inside the van were responsible for the fly-tip.

They were escorted back to the scene by police and made to collect the items.

The matter was referred to East Herts District Council’s Environmental Inspector who fined the company £300, the driver £900 and the passenger £300.

Sergeant David Miller, from the East Herts Rural NPT, said: “I’d like to thank the member of the public who called this incident in to us. It allowed us to make fast-time enquiries and catch those responsible. I hope it also reassures the rural community that we do take this issue seriously and will continue to work alongside our local partners to take action against those found to be involved.”

Councillor Mione Goldspink, East Herts Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Fly-tipping is not only an eyesore, but it can be hazardous to health and create a dangerous environment for walkers, road users and wildlife. Removing fly tips represents a significant cost for the taxpayer and landowners. We will continue to work with the police to track down those responsible.”

If you witness fly-tipping in progress, always dial 999, giving as much information as possible about any people or vehicles involved. If you come across a fly-tip, this should be reported to the local council.

Further information around how to report a fly-tip, how to dispose of waste correctly and check your carrier is registered is available on the council's website.