There’s a plea from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to support officers with any waste-related investigations, after a woman was ordered to pay a total of £1,778.84 for failing to respond.
On 29 January 2021, TVBC became aware of a large fly-tip on land just off Lee Lane in Romsey.
The waste included fridges, a washing machine, mattresses, toys, clothes, bottles, a headboard and numerous other items.
Information obtained within the waste eventually led officers to Sarah Kepple, of William Macleod Way in Southampton.
On 28 November 2022, the defendant was sent an invitation to attend an interview under caution on 14 December 2022. She failed to attend.
Kepple was sent a formal notice requesting her to attend the council offices on 5 January 2023 in order to assist with the investigation into the fly-tip. No response was received, and the defendant failed to attend.
At Southampton Magistrates Court on 5 May 2023, Kepple was given a fine of £660 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £264 and costs of £854.84.
Portfolio holder for recycling and environmental services, Councillor David Drew, said:
“If you receive a notice from TVBC requesting your assistance with a fly-tipping investigation, the easiest and best thing to do is to respond and check how you can help. In situations like this, not only does it delay the investigation and cause more work for our officers, but it could also land you with quite a hefty fine.”