Anyone who witnessed a large vehicle behaving suspiciously north of Wroxton on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 July is asked to get in touch with the council.
Published: Thursday, 20th July 2023
Cherwell District Council’s environmental enforcement officers are investigating the illegal dumping of waste from a home clearance at seven points on the Horley Path Road, near the scout camp. Similar waste was found at all locations, making it likely that it originated from the same offender.
The materials found included a sofa, mattress, carpets, cabinetry, and corrugated plastic roofing. Officers are following up on evidence found at the scene.
Councillor Andrew McHugh, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner and Greener Communities, said: “We’re equally proud of our urban centres and our beautiful rural areas, and it’s shocking to see this thoughtless crime blighting the Cherwell countryside.
“I appeal to anyone who may have been out and about in between Wroxton and Horley at the start of the week to get in touch with our officers and help them catch the perpetrators.
“It could be that someone caught the offender’s vehicle on their car’s dashcam, or perhaps they recognise the distinctive sign we found at the scene.”
The time of offence has been narrowed down to between 5.40pm on Monday 17 and 7.40am on Tuesday 18 July.
Illegal waste disposal in a public place is a crime punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment if the offenders are convicted in a magistrates' court.
In a crown court the offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to five years' imprisonment.
Council officers also have powers to issue offenders with fixed penalty notices.
If approached by anyone offering to remove waste, residents should request proof of their licence before allowing them to take the unwanted items away, as well as a written receipt with a description of the waste removed.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, residents have a duty of care to ensure their waste is properly disposed of. A £1,000 fine can be issued to anyone found to be the owner of fly-tipped waste.
Anyone with information about these or another fly-tip in the district should contact the council on 01295 227007.