Fly-tipper fined

4:33pm Tuesday 1st July 2008

A TOWN centre resident has been fined by Redditch magistrates for fly-tipping.

Nigel Gareth Byard, 48, of Archer Road, was fined £300 and ordered to pay £240 costs in his absence after dumping a large amount of rubbish, including a washing machine, tyres, an old motorcycle and hedge cuttings on a grass verge in Binton Close, Matchborough East.

Magistrates heard that an environmental health enforcement officer from Redditch Council came across the dumped items on December 31 last year.

After making enquiries the officer spoke with Mr Byard, who admitted depositing the rubbish. The officer attempted to issue a fixed penalty notice to Mr Byard but was assaulted by him. Mr Byard was found guilty of the assault at Redditch Magistrates Court on February 14 this year.

A council spokesman said: "All offences of unauthorised dumping of rubbish are serious and we are committed to investigating and prosecuting when appropriate. We also take assaults on members of our staff very seriously."

Councillor Colin MacMillan, portfolio holder for local environment, planning and transport, said: "I urge all residents to support our enforcement officers to make Redditch a cleaner and better place to live."

Anybody wishing to report incidents of fly-tipping can speak in confidence to enforcement officers by calling 534123.

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