FLYTIPPERS have racked up a combined bill of more than £2,000 for two separate fly-tipping incidents in Southend this year.

In February 2018, the remains of fly-tipped waste were found at the site of a fire in Friars Park, Shoebury, and evidence linking Mr D Mirga of Woodcotes, Shoebury to the waste was recovered.

Mr Mirga was called to attend an interview under caution, however he did not attend, leading to a prosecution file being raised.

Mr Mirga then failed to attend the court hearing on Wednesday September 5, and was fined £880, an £88 victim surcharge plus costs of £445, which included the re-instatement of the damaged area in the park.

On Wednesday July 11, three sacks of waste and some cardboard were found at a fly-tipping hotspot in the north of the borough. The area is undergoing investigation so the council are unable to disclose the location at this time.

Evidence linking Ben Collins, of Southchurch Road, Southend was found.

Mr Collins failed to attend an interview under caution and also failed to attend his court hearing and was subsequently fined £500, a £50 victim surcharge plus costs of £335.

Helen Boyd, councillor for children and learning, said: “Over the past few years, the impact of fly-tipping has been intensely scrutinised through television programmes and various campaign groups, and rightly so.

“We must ensure we protect our planet for future generations to enjoy, and it is not too late to make a difference. The two fines will hopefully serve as a reminder to anyone considering fly-tipping – it not only damages the planet, it also costs the guilty party far more than a trip to the household waste recycling centre.

“We are determined to make a difference locally and nationally, so please consider your actions. Our enforcement officers and waste partner Veolia do fantastic work in finding those guilty of fly-tipping and ensuring appropriate action is taken against them.”

You can find out more about residents’ and businesses’ legal duty of care – along with information about other recent prosecutions – at www.southend.gov.uk/wasteenforcement