A man from Heysham has been fined for fly tipping tree and bush cuttings near the Bay Gateway.
Mark Kelly, 22, of Blackberry Hall Crescent, pleaded guilty to depositing controlled waste from a motor vehicle without the authority of a current environmental permit issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The dump on a field at Green Lane, Lancaster, was investigated by Lancaster City Council officers after a passerby reported the incident to the council.
Mr Kelly was then identified as the person who had fly tipped green waste, mainly conifer trees and bush cuttings, from his white Citroen van on April 11, 2024.
He initially denied the offence stating that he driven down the lane adjacent to the Bay Gateway because he was desperate for the toilet.
He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Lancaster Magistrates Court, where he was fined £160 for the offence, plus £500 in costs and a victim surcharge of £64 - £724 in total.
“In his sentencing, the Deputy District Judge, said fly tipping is a scourge and that green waste is still waste and shouldn’t have been dumped and added that there is a waste disposal operation or units to use and that the accused had an obligation to do it properly," said Paul Hart, Lancaster City Council’s cabinet member for environmental services.
“As with the majority of councils across the UK we operate a garden waste collection service, which residents can opt to use. For those who do not wish to pay, garden waste can be taken to their local waste and recycling centre free of charge, so there is no excuse to fly tip green waste and it is an offence to do so.
“What this case also shows is that members of the public will not tolerate the actions of people who blight our communities by fly tipping, and that the council is committed to taking firm action against those who illegally dump waste. Whether it’s large scale operations or individuals acting irresponsibly, you will be held accountable.
“We urge residents who witness fly tipping to report it and help us take action against individuals who think it is ok to impact our environment with this unacceptable behaviour.”
Fly tipping can be reported on the council’s website HERE.
Praise for Lancaster and Morecambe youngsters who took part in 'tongue movement' project
Clinic where students offer free legal advice to reopen at Lancaster University
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
