Criminal prosecution as flytipper fails to pay £3,000 fine for dumping waste at Lancashire landmark

The Halo, a well-known landmark and popular spot for walkers and visitors to Haslingden, was targeted on three consecutive weekends in September, with large quantities of household and commercial waste dumped in broad daylight.

On two occasions, members of the public witnessed the offences taking place and captured photographs and video footage, which were passed to the police and then to Rossendale Borough Council’s Public Protection Unit for investigation.

Council officers removed the waste at public expense each time and launched an investigation to trace its source. Evidence found within the dumped material linked the waste to several households outside Rossendale who had paid a man to dispose of it legitimately.

Following enquiries, a 30-year-old man from Bury - who has not been named - was interviewed under caution at the Council’s offices, where he fully admitted all three offences. He was issued with Fixed Penalty Notices of £1,000 for each incident but has failed to pay. The council will now seek a prosecution and are awaiting a court date.

Councillor Adrian Lythgoe Lead Member for Environment and Corporate Services said: “This kind of behaviour shows complete disregard for our environment and for the people who live and visit here. The Halo is one of Rossendale’s best-loved landmarks and it’s unacceptable that public money had to be spent cleaning up after someone who thought they could get away with it.

“We’re very grateful to the residents who reported what they saw, their quick action helped us identify the offender and take enforcement action. Fly-tipping will not be tolerated in Rossendale, and we will continue to pursue those responsible wherever they are based.”