Cyngor Gwynedd successfully prosecutes fly-tipper

A Cricieth man has been ordered to pay over £1,000 in fines and costs after Cyngor Gwynedd successfully prosecuted him for illegally dumping rubbish at an Eifionydd beauty-spot.

 

The Council has warned others that these sorts of selfish acts will not be tolerated and says that this is an example of how the authorities and community can work together to stamp out environmental crime.

 

Mr Len Evans of 1 Gerddi Arfonia, Cricieth appeared before Caernarfon Magistrates on 6 June, 2024,  where he admitted fly-tipping on the bank of Afon Dwyfach under the bridge at Pont Beddau, Rhoslan near Cricieth. Magistrates fined him £769, and he was also ordered to pay £390 in costs and surcharges, plus a further £100 of compensation to Cyngor Gwynedd for clearing the site.

 

This follows an investigation by Cyngor Gwynedd’s Street Enforcement Service, after a member of the public had lodged a complaint of rubbish being dumped at the riverside.

 

Responding to the complaint, Cyngor Gwynedd officers found a wooden pallet, cardboard boxes and five bags of rubbish and were able to trace them to the defendant. Magistrates were told that Mr Len Evans had collected the items from a premises at Cricieth, telling the owner that he would properly and legally dispose of the rubbish. But instead, he unlawfully dumped the rubbish at Rhoslan.

 

Mr Len Evans was ordered to pay a fixed penalty notice but after he failed to pay the total sum demanded, the Council had little option other than to prosecute.

 

Cyngor Gwynedd Streetscene Manager said: “Matters such as fly-tipping and graffiti are environmental crimes and Cyngor Gwynedd has the power to issue fixed penalty notices and even prosecute those found responsible. We are satisfied by the Court’s decision and hope this sends a clear message to people of the consequences of such selfish actions.

 

“There is no excuse for littering and dumping rubbish – not only does it have a negative effect on the look and feel of a local area, but it can also pose a risk to the health of local people, pollute the environment and damage wildlife.

 

“We would urge people to make sure that they dispose of their waste responsibly and legally. Use the regular waste and recycling services and if you’re having clear-out take your extra waste to the local recycling centre. Details of all centres are available on the Council’s website.

 

“Alternatively, consider selling or swapping unwanted items via online communities or donating to charity. You can also arrange for the Council to pick up bulky items or ask a registered waste disposal firm. Although there is a fee for bulky-waste pick-up, this case from the Eifionydd area shows that it is significantly less than the charges and fines the Courts can impose.

 

“The Council would also like to thank the members of the public who reported this instance of fly-tipping. Don’t forget, anyone can report these sorts of environmental crimes on the Council’s website or on the apGwynedd app.”

 

Details of waste and recycling services, the eight Council-run recycling centres in Gwynedd and how to arrange the bulky waste service are available on the Council’s website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/recycling  

 

Further information about fly-tipping is also available at the Fly-Tipping Action Wales website:
https://www.flytippingactionwales.org/en