James Wild MP will this week be voting for tougher measures to crack down on fly tipping as the House of Commons considers amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill.
Under the changes debated on Tuesday, where a person is convicted of a fly‑tipping offence under the Environmental Protection Act, the offender should be liable for costs incurred through loss or damage resulting from that offence – rather than landowners or taxpayers facing the cost. Another measure would enable vehicles to be seized where an individual is found guilty of fly tipping.
The measures were introduced by Conservatives in the House of Lords in February when peers inflicted defeats on the government which is opposing tougher action on fly-tipping.
James’ support for stronger penalties follows persistent fly tipping in and around Clenchwarton which has blighted the community and the local environment for too long. Despite the Borough Council clearing approximately 65 tonnes of dumped rubbish from a lay by in the village in March, constituents have continued to raise concerns with James about further illegal dumping at the same site, as well as at other locations throughout the village.
While James welcomes the clear up and ongoing enforcement action, including prosecutions that have already resulted in two convictions for dumping waste on Clockcase Lane, with further individuals due to stand trial and live arrest warrants in place for two suspects who failed to appear in court, he is clear that the problem has not been resolved.
He has been pressing the Environment Agency and the Borough Council to back ongoing action and push for further practical preventative measures, including CCTV monitoring alongside enforcement already under way through the courts, and will shortly be meeting with the Borough Council discuss how best to resolve the issue for residents.
Commenting, James Wild MP said:
“Fly tipping and illegal waste burning is unacceptable and blights the lives of residents and damages our local environment. The situation in Clenchwarton shows exactly why tougher action is needed, which is why I back stronger penalties. It is disappointing the Labour government opposes these tougher measures which would ensure offenders bear the cost of their crimes and better protect communities like Clenchwarton.
“I will continue working with the Environment Agency and the council to ensure robust enforcement against those responsible and that further steps are taken to and further steps are taken to deter illegal activity.”
