Local News · Devizes
Devizes residents face fines as council warns on new waste enforcement rules
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Two Devizes residents have been fined £1,000 each for fly-tipping as Wiltshire Council implements a stricter penalty regime for waste offences.
Two Devizes residents have been issued with significant fines following an investigation into a fly-tipping incident in the town. The waste was discovered by environmental enforcement officers in bushes near the bottom of Gypsy Patch, close to Windsor Drive.
Following an investigation, both individuals admitted during interviews that the discarded items originated from their household. Each resident was issued a fixed penalty notice of £1,000. These penalties were issued under the framework in place prior to September 1, when Wiltshire Council updated its enforcement policy.
David Bullock, the council’s Director of Assets, Highways and Waste, emphasised that there is no excuse for the illegal disposal of rubbish. He stated that the individuals involved made a conscious decision to dump household waste in a public area rather than disposing of it through the proper channels. The council has maintained its commitment to pursuing enforcement action whenever sufficient evidence is available to identify those responsible.
The incident serves as a reminder that the council has significantly increased its powers to tackle fly-tipping. Under the new regime, which came into force on 1 September, offenders can now face scaled fixed penalty notices of up to £5,000, depending on the severity of the offence.
The council continues to urge residents to ensure their waste is disposed of correctly, noting that the responsibility ultimately rests with the individual. Information regarding waste disposal services and recycling centres is available on the Wiltshire Council website for those unsure how to manage domestic waste properly.
Source: Gazette & Herald — Devizes · View original