Warning to flytippers as council raises its game

NORTH East council has put malicious and professional flytippers on notice, following a set of successful prosecutions and a boost to its enforcement abilities.

- AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE Local Democracy Reporter

In recent weeks, Gateshead Council has successfully taken two men to court resulting in fixed penalty notices.

The incidents, which took place in January and February this year, resulted in guilty pleas from two men and fines totalling over £600.

The flytipping took place in Birtley and on Brinkburn Avenue, near to the Shipley Art Gallery. One alleged accomplice did not attend court and a warrant is out for his arrest.

Gateshead Council is also poised to introduce a higher fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping, as well as other offences. The current fine sits at £400.