Our environmental health officers have seized a lorry as part of their investigation into the huge pile of waste that was fly-tipped in Watery Lane, Lichfield in January.
On Friday, 21 March at 5.30pm officers raided a site in Staffordshire supported by Staffordshire Police. Searching the premises they seized a lorry that they believe was used to commit the offences.
The investigation is ongoing and no more information can be released at this stage.
Following the raid a spokesperson for Lichfield District Council said:
“This is a huge breakthrough and fantastic news for Lichfield District residents and businesses who were affected by this. Our environmental health officers have worked hard to gather the evidence we needed to seize this vehicle and will now look to commence court proceedings.
“By holding the vehicle, this will prevent it from being used to fly-tip and allow the court to determine whether or not it should be forfeited.”
The waste, which was 24 metres in length, two metres in height and weighed in excess of 27 tonnes, was dumped in Watery lane overnight from Sunday 19 January to Monday 20 January blocking access to residents and businesses. Environmental health officers responded immediately examining the waste for evidence and the council made arrangements for it to be cleared. By lunchtime the following day all of the waste had been removed and the lane had been swept clean.
The spokesperson added:
“We take a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and our environmental health officers use all the powers available to them to bring those responsible to justice, giving us a good track record in catching fly-tippers.
“This is about protecting communities, looking after the environment and removing rogue traders from the market to support responsible businesses and reduce costs to the taxpayer.”
The criminal investigation into the offences committed in relation to the Watery Lane incident is ongoing. Anyone convicted faces a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.