An angry Highbridge councillor has this week attacked the ‘pitiful’ fines being given to illegal fly tippers.
Joe Leach has hit out at Sedgemoor District Council’s portfolio holder for the Environment, Councillor Richard Burden, after 50 fines of just £50 each were issued for illegal fly-tipping.
Joe, pictured, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I welcome the news that fines have been issued over this awful activity, however I have some concerns as to whether these fines go far enough.”
“It isn’t simply a fine to punish people for their offence, but to ensure that council’s costs of their actions are met. It is unacceptable that taxpayers pay for other people’s actions.”
Mr Burden was unaware of the figures, but pledged ‘he would respond as soon as he can’.
It follows the County Council’s decision earlier this year to reduce the hours at recycling centres and impose new charges for certain types of waste, including Highbridge recycling centre. Some people have felt aggrieved at paying the additional cost and have sought to illegally dump their waste.
Councillor Leach added: “I totally understand people’s frustrations at having to pay extra costs to recycle, but the answer is not to illegally dispose of it, as this will cost more in the long run. Please instead write to your county councillor, expressing your anger.”
Pictured: Fly-tipped waste in Burnham’s Stoddens Lane and, above, Cllr Leach
