Accrington woman convicted and sentenced following fly-tipping incident
Accrington woman convicted and sentenced following fly-tipping incident
A woman from Accrington has been convicted and sentenced following a fly-tipping incident on the back alley between Stanley Street and Bold Street in Accrington.
April Ashton, of Stanley Street, Accrington was summoned before Burnley Magistrates’ Court where she failed to appear on the 29 June 2026 and was found guilty in her absence of failing to comply with a notice served on her by the Councils Waste Enforcement Team which required her to answer questions relating to a fly-tipping investigation, contrary to section 110(2)(a) of the Environment Act 1995.
Image: Photograph of fly-tipped waste on alley between Stanley Street and Bold Street, Accrington
The fly-tipping incident took place on or before 27 November 2025, when Waste Enforcement Officers of the Council encountered a large amount of illegally deposited waste (approximately 1 ton) on the alley between Stanley Street and Bold Street in Accrington.
Evidence recovered from the waste linked it to a property on Stanley Street in Accrington, which Council officers were able to link to the defendant via the council tax register.
Numerous attempts were made by the Council to contact the defendant prior to the notice of prosecution being served. The defendant failed to respond to this Notice within the stipulated time, and has to date, failed to respond to any correspondence from the Council in relation to this matter.
At sentencing, the court heard that the illegal depositing of waste from the Defendant’s address has no doubt caused upset and distress to residents in the area. It is a well populated residential area, and the incident not only blighted the environment, but also had a detrimental effect on the local community, and the clean-up costs incurred by the Council to clear the waste and remediate the area totalled £314.25.
April Ashton was sentenced to a fine of £120. She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and full costs to Hyndburn Borough Council including legal fees and clean-up costs of £798.25, to be paid in full within 28 days.
Councillor Paul Cox, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services said:
“Fly‑tipping causes real harm to local communities and to the environment, no matter where waste is illegally dumped. This case shows that the Council will investigate incidents thoroughly and take formal action where there is clear evidence. We would also remind residents to always check that anyone removing waste on their behalf is properly licensed.”
“I hope the Council’s action in enforcing this case will act as a deterrent to anyone considering fly tipping in the future. If we can find evidence, we will prosecute no matter how big or small the offence.”
Hyndburn Borough Council encourages residents to report fly‑tipping and to ensure they use authorised waste carriers when arranging waste removal, as householders can also be held responsible for how their waste is disposed of.