Woman prosecuted by council for fly-tip next to heritage railway line

A woman has been prosecuted for waste offences and ordered to pay £360 following a fly-tipping incident next to Avon Valley Railway’s line.

The fly-tipped waste next to the railway line | Photo © South Gloucestershire Council

South Gloucestershire Council brought the prosecution against Paige Allen of North Street, Oldland Common.

She pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 18th August to failing in her duty of care when disposing of waste and failing to attend an interview in relation to the fly-tip.

She was fined £180, ordered to pay £100 in costs and a victim surcharge of £80.

On 14th November 2024, mixed household waste including children’s toys, clothing, and general rubbish was found dumped on a path running alongside the heritage railway line just off North Street.

The railway runs alongside the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.

Officers from South Gloucestershire Council’s environmental enforcement team investigated the fly-tip and traced packaging found in the waste to a nearby address where Allen was living.

She admitted asking her brother to dispose of the waste but claimed not to know how it had been disposed of.

Despite repeated attempts to arrange an interview with Allen, she failed to attend multiple appointments and did not respond to further contact from the council.

Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member responsible for environmental enforcement at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we will not tolerate fly-tipping in South Gloucestershire.

“Everyone has a legal responsibility to ensure their waste is properly disposed of, and failing to do so can result in a fine and criminal record.

“We urge residents to be cautious when using third parties to remove waste. Always check that they are registered waste carriers and ask where the waste is going.”