Cotswold District Council has successfully prosecuted an individual for fly-tipping along Quiet Lane in Siddington.

The fly-tip contained black bin bags, cardboard, mattresses, a fireplace, wooden furniture, a fridge freezer and other electrical items.

On September 18, Miss Natalie Gillman of Kemble was found guilty of failing in their duty of care to ensure waste was disposed of lawfully under section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Cheltenham Magistrates Court.

Miss Gillman failed to attend the court hearing and also failed to attend sentencing on Tuesday (October).

The magistrates fined Miss Gillman £480 and ordered to pay an additional £1,000 in costs and a victim surcharge of £192, taking the total Miss Gillman has to pay to £1,672.

The prosecution was brought by Cotswold District Council's environmental regulatory services (ERS) team with assistance from both the council's counter fraud and enforcement unit and legal service. This prosecution was made possible thanks to detailed investigations performed by the council's ERS team.

Cotswold District Council says it is committed to tackling fly-tipping and keeping the district clean and safe for everyone. Earlier this year, the council installed cameras around the district in fly-tipping hotspots. The cameras have been placed around the district and will be moved regularly to capture images of any illegal activity taking place.

Cllr Juliet Layton, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: "We're pleased that this has been a successful prosecution for the council. Our environmental teams work hard to keep the district clean, tidy and safe but some people don't play their part.

"What we are seeing more frequently is illegitimate waste removal services offering cheap prices. These traders are often unlicensed and cut corners to dispose of waste illegally.

"Fly-tipping can blight our countryside and communities. Fly-tipping is a criminal act and we will do everything we can to prosecute offenders in all cases. If you witness an incident of fly-tipping, please report it as soon as you can to give us the best chance of catching the perpetrators."

Everyone has a duty of care to ensure household or business waste is disposed of legally and not fly-tipped. Although the majority of tradespeople and companies can be trusted to dispose of waste in a responsible manner, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and to always make sure to use a registered waste carrier to collect your rubbish. You can find a registered waste carrier in your area on the Environment Agency's website.

Kevin Lea, enviro-crime programmes officer at Cotswold District Council, said: "Responsible, safe and legal disposal of waste is the responsibility of the household occupier, regardless of who is physically disposing of the waste.

"All reasonable measures must be taken to ensure that waste is transferred and taken away by an authorised person. If your waste is fly-tipped, by you or by someone else on your behalf, you could face a £400 fixed penalty notice."

If you witness an incident of fly-tipping, please report it as soon as you can. You can report fly-tipping online by visiting the Cotswold District Council website.