Warning to fly-tippers

PEOPLE in South Somerset and around the county have been warned that if they are caught dumping rubbish illegally they will be prosecuted.

Figures for fly-tipping in South Somerset fell between 2011-12 and 2012-13 - part of a county-wide drop of 497 cases or 8.7% from 5,687 to 5,190, and are continuing to fall in this financial year.

But officers are determined to see those figures drop much further and will be taking tough action against those caught fly-tipping.

Earlier this week a woman from Taunton was fined nearly £400 by magistrates after being caught dumping rubbish in Bridgwater in June.

PHOTO - RIGHT: If you are caught dumping rubbish illegally in Somerset - you will be prosecuted, say the Somerset Waste Partnership.

A Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) spokesman said:  "This prosecution is an example of how all councils in Somerset are working together, successfully stepping up their efforts to deter, catch and convict criminal fly-tipping.

“The incidence of fly-tipping is continuing to fall, and will be driven down further as councils take action, the public stays vigilant and residents check that any trader taking their waste away has the right licence."

The criminal case was brought as part of renewed efforts by South Somerset District Council with other districts to clamp down on fly-tippers through new equipment, warning signs, newspaper adverts and further training for district enforcement officers, backed by Somerset County Council.

South Somerset's spokesman for environment and economic development, Cllr Jo Roundell Greene, said: "This conviction sends a clear message to anyone considering fly-tipping in South Somerset that they risk being named, shamed, convicted and fined for dumping waste.

"With the help of the public, and working alongside all other councils, we are taking action to stop these criminals.”

Details of all recycling sites, their opening hours and the materials they take can be found on the SWP website at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/sites/opening or  by calling Somerset Direct on 0845-3459188.

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