A Swindon resident has been issued with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice (FPN), after dumping bags of household waste next to a clearly visible ‘no fly-tipping’ sign.

Following a report of fly-tipped waste in a layby near Purton, Wiltshire Council’s Environmental Enforcement team launched an investigation. The dumped waste contained household items such as food packaging, food waste and soiled nappies, along with evidence that led officers to a property in Swindon.

Officers investigated and established that the former resident of the address had recently moved to another property in Swindon. When interviewed under caution, the individual admitted to passing the location daily on their commute but could not explain how their waste ended up there.

The £1,000 fine has since been paid in full. As FPNs are not court convictions, the resident involved cannot be publicly named.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, said: “Dumping waste in public spaces is not only illegal, it’s disrespectful to our communities and the environment. That is why we’re determined to find the individuals responsible and penalise them.

If anyone spots a fly-tip in the county, or someone disposing of their waste illegally, I’d urge them to report it to us using MyWilts. Anyone caught fly-tipping can be ordered to pay a £1,000 fixed penalty notice or be taken to court, where they could face an unlimited fine or imprisonment.”

To find out more about how the council is tackling fly-tipping in Wiltshire and how to report fly-tipping, people should visit: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fly-tipping.