Council takes action to stub out littering

Cllr BARBARA BROWNRIDGE

OLDHAM Council has carried out a number of successful prosecutions for littering and blighting the borough.

Stacey Reynolds (21), of Abbey Road, Delph, failed to pay a fixed penalty notice (FPN) after dropping foil from a cigarette packet on Cheapside. She pleaded guilty by post and was fined £40, with a victim surcharge of £30 plus £100 court costs.

Calin Dumitru (33), of Fransiscan Way, Ipswich, dropped a cigarette end on High Street in the town centre and failed to pay a fixed penalty notice.

He failed to attend court and was fined £220, with £100 costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

Theresa Anderson (34), of Bromley Avenue, Royton, failed to attend after she didn't pay an FPN for dropping her cigarette on Rochdale Road. The court handed her a fine of £220 with a victim surcharge of £30 and costs of £100.

In a similar case Alicia Rog (32) of Stanhope Street, Ashton, was ordered to pay a fine of £220, costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £30 after leaving her cigarette end on Henshaw Street. She had failed to pay an FPN.

On the same day ELS Auctioneers, of Westwood Industrial Estate, Arkwright Street, Oldham, pleaded guilty to fly-posting and was fined £80, with a victim surcharge of £30 plus costs of £400.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, told the Chronicle: "People need to think before they throw rubbish - it's not difficult to keep it in your pocket, put it in one of the bins that we provide across the borough or stub out your cigarette responsibly.

Unhealthy
"Littering is not only anti-social but also unhealthy. Fly-posting is also unsightly and blights areas.

"We will continue to take action, including fines and prosecutions, against those who blight the borough.

"The vast majority of people do take pride in their communities and keep them clean and tidy.

"But, unfortunately, there is always a small minority who continue to think the council is there to clear up after them."

The cases all took place in Tameside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, November 9.

If you see anyone littering or fly-posting, report them to the council on 0161 770 6644 or submit a report online via oldham.gov.uk so action can be taken.