Forest of Dean District Council has successfully prosecuted Mr Gregory Games of Pope's Hill, Gloucestershire, for a fly-tipping offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The case stems from a fly-tipping incident on December 1, 2023, when a member of the public reported the illegal dumping of what appeared to be timber planks, wood and roof material and from an old shed. The waste was found deposited on the public highway and extended onto Forestry England land at Pope's Hill.

Street wardens from the council investigated the matter and identified Mr Games as the suspect. Despite being requested by both the street wardens and Forestry England to remove the waste, Mr Games failed to take any action. The clean-up was ultimately carried out by BIFFA and Forestry England, incurring public expense and Forestry England expense.

Cllr Adrian Birch, Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, said: "Fly-tipping has a massive impact on both our communities and our environment here in the Forest of Dean. It is something that we take very seriously and if found, our street wardens and counter fraud enforcement team will work to ensure that incidents are investigated and that those who do not comply with the correct waste disposal conditions are held accountable.

"The verdict reached at Cheltenham Magistrates Court should stand as testament to this. Waste should be disposed of responsibly in the correct manner and if, as in this case, it isn't, the Forest of Dean District Council will enforce it."

At a hearing held in March 2025 at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court, Mr Games pleaded guilty to an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The Forest of Dean resident was sentenced at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on May 16 and received a 12 months' community order with 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 120 hours unpaid work. Mr Games was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114.00 and contribution to costs of £1,000.

The prosecution was undertaken by the council's legal team, assisted by the council's counter fraud and enforcement unit (CFEU).

Members of the public can contact the team with any concerns about criminal activity or suspected fraud by contacting the CFEU by email at fraud.referrals@cotswold.gov.uk.

Residents can also report any concerns regarding fly tipping to Street.Wardens@fdean.gov.uk.