Flytipper's neighbours help prosecution

Marjorie Goacher, who lived at Kiln Way, Wellingborough at the time of the offence but now lives in Beanfield Avenue, Corby, was prosecuted for dumping bags of waste in July last year and appeared in court last Friday.

Goacher claimed she put the bags out next to her green bin for Wellingborough Council's recycling collection, even though they contained toys and other materials that couldn't be recycled. Neighbours gathered up the rubbish and returned it to her garden after the bags were split open and the contents spread around the area. Goacher then put the bags out again, ignoring the advice from the council's recycling collectors who had left a note on the bin stating that they were unable to collect unsuitable materials. The rubbish was then set alight by vandals and Goacher was prosecuted. Her former neighbours attended Corby magistrates court as witnesses for the prosecution and she was fined £50 and ordered to pay £300 costs and a £15 surcharge.

Cllr Peter Morrall, chairman of Wellingborough Council's community committee said: "We have a very comprehensive and efficient refuse collection service, but people can't simply put anything out on the street and expect it to be removed without question. We will always try to assist residents with genuine difficulties and we will always respond to enquiries about acceptable rubbish and help where we can, but people must act responsibly. Fly tipping makes an area untidy and, as seen in this instance, it can become a health risk and an invitation for vandals.

"We are very grateful to those residents t