Media release - from the hyndburn council website.
Council Gets Tough To Combat Litter Problems
14 August 2003
Hyndburn residents could face fines of up to £2,500 for dumping bin bags in the back streets. In July, seven Hyndburn residents were each given an on the spot fine of £50 by the Council’s Environmental Health Department for leaving their refuse bags in the back street after the bin collection day. The Fixed Penalty Notices allow residents to pay a £50 fee in order to avoid being prosecuted for littering offences. Of this latest batch, only one has been paid. The remainder are due to be summoned to appear before Hyndburn Magistrates were they can each be fined up to £2,500 and have to pay prosecution costs.
The enforcement action comes after residents, particularly in the Accrington area, complained about dirty back streets. Warning letters were delivered to several streets and in the following weeks any bags left out on the wrong day were searched for evidence and the offenders issued with a £50 fine. Each resident has been given a final opportunity to pay the statutory penalty before the summonses are sent out. The Council will also be getting tough with residents who are not using the wheeled bins provided recently in areas of Accrington and Church. Some residents are not using their wheeled bins at all and are continuing to put rubbish out in bin sacks. Other residents are not taking bins to the appropriate collection point on the refuse collection day.
Residents are reminded that unless they cooperate with the new collection service, formal legal action will be taken against them. Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, Councillor Mrs Anne Scaife said “The Council has promised to get tough on fly tippers, people who drop litter and residents who are not cooperating with refuse collection services, and that is exactly what we are doing. Residents must be aware that their rubbish is their responsibility and they will be fined if they dump it.” Under the Council’s newly formed Litter Commission, there is a zero tolerance on litter and rubbish. The Council will not hesitate to take appropriate action which can often result in the offenders being prosecuted. If you have any information on fly tippers or would like to report a grot spot or dirty back street, please contact the Council’s Helpline on 399988 or by email to
[email protected]