Pair fined after council officers track down fly-tippers

Fly-tipping has landed two Rotherham residents with big bills of more than £1,000.

Rostislav Pecha and Helena Pechova, both of Eastwood, were prosecuted by Rotherham Council at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on July 29 after failing to attend interviews required under the Environment Act 1995.

The prosecutions followed an investigation into a large fly-tip discovered on Aldwarke Lane, Rotherham, on January 6.

Council officers found around 23 black bags containing household food and packaging waste.

They also recovered documentary evidence linking the waste to addresses associated with Mr Pecha and Ms Pechova.

Both individuals were invited to attend formal interviews and when they failed to respond, further requests were made, including hand-delivered letters.

But neither Mr Pecha nor Ms Pechova attended an interview or contacted the council.

They also failed to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court where the cases were heard separately.

The court ordered each defendant to pay a total penalty of £1,177 each.

Cllr Sarah Allen, cabinet member for communities at Rotherham Council, said: “Fly-tipping blights communities and creates unnecessary costs for taxpayers.

“Our teams work hard to investigate reports and gather evidence, and it is important that people cooperate with those investigations when legally required to do so.

“These prosecutions demonstrate that we will take enforcement action against anyone who fails to comply with notices issued as part of our investigations.

“We are committed to keeping Rotherham clean and safe for residents and will continue to pursue those who disregard environmental laws.”

• Residents can report fly-tipping and other environmental crimes via https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/fly-tipping-1.