Torus’ zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping has seen a tenant prosecuted by Warrington Borough Council and handed a £500 fine.

The local authority’s Environmental Crime Team took action after evidence was sent of the incident in Orford.

Discarded waste included large cardboard boxes and other items dumped on communal Torus land on Grasmere Avenue.

The tenant pleaded guilty at Warrington Magistrates’ Court to fly-tipping related waste duty offences and failing to comply with legal requirements during the investigation.

The court imposed a fine of £250, legal costs of £150 and a £100 victim surcharge as part of the sentence.

Torus also issued a warning to the tenant reminding her about the responsibility to dispose of waste appropriately and that criminal behaviour of this nature is a breach of the terms of the tenancy and may put her home at risk.

Director of Group Assets at Torus, Margaret Goddard, said:

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping as can be seen in this very swift case where the tenant was brought before the courts and sentenced accordingly.

“Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence so we urge anyone considering it to bear this in mind.

“Unfortunately some people think it is acceptable and this minority has a devastatingly negative impact on the quality of life for the majority.

“As well as being unsightly and demoralising for people living nearby, it poses a serious hygiene risk too and costs us a huge amount of money that could be better spent improving tenant’s lives.

“To help us tackle this problem we need everyone to play their part and work with us so we encourage people to report incidents safe in the knowledge we will work with the council and the police to prosecute culprits.”

Cllr John Kerr-Brown, Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Licensing at Warrington Borough Council, said:

“This result demonstrates that fly-tipping will not be tolerated in Warrington and those responsible can expect to be held account for their actions.

“Illegal waste disposal blights neighbourhoods, impacts residents and places an unnecessary burden on local community services.

“We would like to thank our partners at Torus in this case and to everyone who reports environmental crime and helps keep Warrington clean and safe.”

Tenants and residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping with the assurance cases of littering and dumping waste will be treated very seriously.

It can be reported to our Neighbourhood Officers and by calling: Torus’ Customer Hub on 0800 678 1894 and Warrington Borough Council on 01925 443322.

Reports can also be made using Warrington Borough Council’s online form.

If you need to get rid of bulky items visit www.warrington.gov.uk/bulky