Pendle News Room

A Nelson man has been fined £550 for littering outside a house he was working on in Vaughan Street, Nelson. 
Adam Richardson, aged 34, of Rhoda Street, Nelson was spotted tossing his cigarette end into the street by one of Pendle Council’s Environmental Crime Officers.

Councillor David Whipp who leads on Neighbourhood Services said:
 “Some people think that carelessly tossing a cigarette end away doesn’t count as litter – but I can assure you it does.”

David Alexander, the Council’s Senior Environmental Crime Officer said:

“Adam Richardson has paid a high price for littering, initially refusing to give his details and getting his work colleague to be abusive to our Environmental Crime Officer,” he explained.

He was found guilty at Burnley Magistrates’ Court on 23 June after failing to attend court for the trial after previously stating at an earlier hearing that he was not guilty.

“As a result of his behaviour he has been fined, had to pay the victim surcharge and an additional £300 costs,” he stated.

Councillor David Whipp added:

“This shows that Pendle Council and the courts take this type of littering as seriously as any other. 
“Tossing away cigarette ends is anti-social, unsightly and against the law.

 “This prosecution serves as a warning to anyone that they can face a hefty fine, all for failing to do the decent thing - putting their rubbish in the bin!”
Local residents can help by reporting people who drop litter – including cigarette ends by filling in a form on our website at www.pendle.gov.uk/forms or calling the Council’s contact centre on (01282) 661743.