Ashfield District Council’s Community Safety team has successfully prosecuted a Nottinghamshire resident following fly-tipping at Harrier Park, Hucknall.
In October 2025, the Community Safety team investigated a large fly-tip at Harrier Park, Hucknall.
The dumped waste included broken wooden cupboards, building waste, builders’ bags, paper, wood, cardboard tubes, packaging, plastic items, and laminate flooring.
During the investigation, officers located evidence linked to an address, which they visited, and interviewed a person under caution.
They established that Mr Jack Bishop, who lives outside Ashfield, had failed to comply with his legal Duty of Care under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
Mr Bishop failed to take reasonable steps to ensure that his waste was transferred only to an authorised person, such as a registered waste carrier. He was therefore issued with a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice.
The notice remained unpaid, resulting in the matter being referred to court.
Following a hearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 6 July 2026, Mr Bishop pleaded guilty. The magistrates awarded Ashfield District Council the following:
- £320 fine (reduced to reflect the guilty plea and mitigation presented)
- £128 victim surcharge
- £250 contribution towards legal costs
The total financial penalty imposed was £698.
As the defendant was unemployed and in receipt of a limited Universal Credit income, the court allowed the amount to be paid over an 18-month period through deductions from his benefits. Responsibility remains with the defendant to ensure the payments are maintained.
Cllr Paul Grafton, Executive Lead Member for Crime Reduction and Community Safety, said:
“This prosecution serves as a reminder to all Nottinghamshire residents that fly-tipping is a serious offence. Not only does it harm the environment and spoil our communities, but it also costs taxpayers thousands of pounds every year to investigate and clear up illegally dumped waste.
“Ashfield District Council will use its full enforcement powers to pursue people who fly-tip in Ashfield, regardless of where they live. We will not tolerate environmental crime in our district.”
Residents have a legal Duty of Care to ensure their waste is disposed of correctly, or they could face a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice if someone goes on to dump their rubbish. When paying someone to remove waste, ensure they have a waste carrier licence and ask for a receipt.
