NEW rules which see fly-tippers receive tougher financial penalties have been hailed as a ‘huge step forward’ for cleaning up the borough’s image - after Barnsley Council led an investigation which resulted in a tipper being handed a £700 bill.
The local authority’s environmental crime plan was fast-tracked due to a surge in offences which cost taxpayers £265,000 to clear the 4,404 incidents in the last financial year.
It brought in revised penalties for those caught - notably hiked fines - in a bid to reduce incidents and make would-be offenders think twice.
Aiden Wood, of Westfield Road, Worsbrough Bridge, fell foul of the newly-adopted stance and, following a council-led investigation, landed him at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last week.
The 31-year-old admitted dumping bags containing rubbish and wood waste on land off Yews Lane, Kendray, and was given a £726 bill made up of a fine, surcharge and court costs.
It’s been hailed by councillors and a warning has been issued as a result of Wood’s conviction.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, added: “It is unacceptable that individuals take it upon themselves to blight our local areas with fly-tipping.
“Thanks to the introduction of our environmental crime plan we are able to take stronger action across Barnsley.
“I encourage members of the public to report any instances of fly-tipping so we can continue to target and punish those who commit these crimes in our borough.
“I’m very pleased with this as fly-tipping incurs significant costs to this council.
“This isn’t just reserved for Barnsley as it’s a national issue, but we absolutely recognise its importance as it’s something that impacts our communities.
“We’re enormously fortunate to have hundreds of residents who give up their time to volunteer in their local area in order to keep it tidy.
“It gives us a strong platform to take action.”
In Barnsley, most of the fly-tipped waste was discovered on council land, accounting for 34 per cent of recorded incidents, followed by 29 per cent in alleyways.
The largest proportion of discarded waste was household waste, making up 57 per cent of all incidents.
As part of the strategy, increased fixed penalty tariffs for environmental offences were unanimously approved in line with the Environmental Offences Fixed Regulation 2023 to show a ‘strong message’ to anyone considering committing an offence.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, added: “Environmental crime unfortunately remains a blight on our borough but as we have shown with this case, we will identify and punish offenders.
“We hope the increased fixed penalty notice and vehicle crushing sends a strong message that we do not tolerate fly-tipping in our borough both as a council and as a community.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in this case and those who work to keep Barnsley clean and green.”
