Man fined for fly-tipping asbestos

Christopher Rowlands, of The Wellway, was fined £750 and ordered to pay £634.86 in costs after admitting the offence at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court.

Rowlands dumped the cancer-causing substance and other construction waste at Laudsdale Road, East Herringthorpe on February 5.

A witness saw the dumping happen and noted down the registration of a Ford Transit van.

Council officers interviewed Rowlands, who initially denied being responsible.

He then failed to attend two further interviews, so Rotherham Council referred the case to magistrates.

Rowlands pleaded guilty to fly tipping in court on November 4.

Cllr Kath Sims, cabinet member for waste and enforcement, said: “We are committed to doing all we can to stop fly tipping.

“I hope this case sends out a strong message that these crimes are serious and we will do all we can to secure convictions on behalf of the borough’s residents.”

Illegal dumping costs the council £87,600 to clear up every year, with money coming out of the street-cleaning budget.

The authority collects furniture and appliances for disposal — the charge is just £21 for up to three items, with 50 percent off for Rothercard holders.

Cllr Sims added: “There is absolutely no excuse for fly tipping, especially in cases like this when what was dumped was corrugated asbestos sheeting.

“This type of waste needs to be handled and disposed of correctly to avoid it becoming a health hazard.

“I would urge anyone who sees any fly tipping to report it to us so that we can take action against the culprits.”

Anyone wanting to report fly tipping can call Streetpride on 01709 336003.

For locations and opening times of tips in Rotherham, visit tinyurl.com/wastesites.