Council fines resident £1,000 for fly-tipping

A council has issued a £1,000 fine to send a "clear message to those who think fly-tipping is acceptable".

Basildon Council said it had stepped up efforts to tackle concerns in the Vange and Stagden Cross areas of the Essex town after a rise in unkept gardens and fly-tipped rubbish.

Patrols, which focused on identifying and addressing community concerns such as graffiti, overgrown vegetation, and waste dumping, have been increased.

Aidan McGurran, cabinet member for environment and leisure said: "There is no excuse for fly-tipping, and it will not be tolerated in our borough."

On 11 March, a housing officer discovered evidence which linked a local household to the illegal dumping of waste.

When confronted, the resident admitted responsibility and was issued a fixed penalty notice of £1,000.

Mr McGurran added: "It is not only disrespectful to the environment but also to our residents who do the right thing and take pride in the places they call home."

He thanked teams who investigated the offence and hoped the fine would discourage others from committing similar offences.

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