Bedford Borough Council continues its fight against environmental crime with another successful prosecution. Terri-Ann Avis from Bedford has been fined £996 after her waste was found fly-tipped on Muswell Road in December 2022.
The Enviro Crime team, responding promptly to a report of fly-tipping and conducted a thorough investigation that led to the identification of Terri-Ann Avis as the responsible party. Despite repeated requests to attend an interview under caution and provide an explanation for the fly-tipping, Miss Avis failed to respond. Subsequently, a notice under Section 108 of the Environment Act was served, requiring her attendance at an interview. Once again, Miss Avis failed to respond or cooperate, leading the Council to pursue legal action.
At East Berkshire Magistrates Court on November 30, 2023, Terri-Ann Avis failed to enter a plea, resulting in a guilty verdict for obstructing the Council's investigation. The court ordered her to pay a £440 fine, £350 in costs, and a £176 victim surcharge.
Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Highways, and Transport at Bedford Borough Council, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we will not tolerate environmental crimes in Bedford Borough. The Council is dedicated to protecting our community's environment, and we will pursue legal action against those who disregard our shared responsibility to keep our streets clean and safe."
Bedford Borough Council would like to remind residents to dispose of their waste responsibly, especially during the festive season. With Christmas approaching, it's crucial to be aware of changes to bin collection days and available options to dispose of waste responsibly.
Some advice for residents over the Christmas period
Check changes to bin collection dates online at www.bedford.gov.uk/bins.
Use the Recycling Locator to see what you can put in your orange-lidded bin, and find where to take other items that can be recycled at www.bedford.gov.uk/MyBins.
If your orange-lidded bin is full, put extra recycling next to it in a secure container, such as a clear sack or cardboard box so it doesn’t blow away. Please remember you cannot do the same with other waste.
After rinsing out tins and bottles squash or crush them to make more space in the orange-lidded bin.
Scrunch aluminium foil and mince pie cases into a ball, this can then go in your orange-lidded bin.
Flatten cardboard boxes and keep them dry.
The Council offers a bulky waste collection service, for £37.55 it will remove up to five items and for £57.95 it will remove six to twelve items. These fees can be reduced to half the price for residents who receive Council Tax Support. Learn more at www.bedford.gov.uk/BulkyWaste.
It’s also really easy for residents to use the Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Barkers Lane, Bedford. Group similar waste together as it’s loaded into the car to make it quicker to get it to the correct bays once at the centre. Find out all the information anyone might need before they visit at www.bedford.gov.uk/HWRC.