A resident from Slough has been fined £1,000 after fly-tipping bags of household waste in a layby near Beckhampton.
Wiltshire Council Environmental Enforcement officers discovered several black sacks dumped at the roadside before tracing the waste back to the person responsible.
Following enquiries, the individual admitted fly-tipping the rubbish while travelling through Wiltshire on their way to work.
They told officers they had been experiencing problems with bin collections in Slough and that their local recycling centre had been closed.
According to Wiltshire Council, the person said the smell of the rubbish had worsened after using the car heater in cold weather, prompting them to dump the waste in the layby.
The resident was issued with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice, which has since been paid in full.
Because fixed penalty notices are not criminal convictions, the individual has not been named.
Wiltshire Council said it continues to investigate all reports of fly-tipping and will take enforcement action wherever possible.
Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Fly-tipping is completely unacceptable, regardless of the circumstances, and causes harm to our environment and local communities.
“Difficulties with waste collections or access to recycling facilities elsewhere do not justify dumping waste in Wiltshire.”
He added that illegal dumping can pose risks to livestock, wildlife and pets, while also costing time and money to clear up.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com.
