Failing to clean out the drawer under a bed which they dumped has cost a Branston couple almost £2,000 (Photos on Flickr).

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Although Mr and Mrs Young, of Archer Road, Branston failed to attend interviews in relation to an allegation of fly-tipping a bed base and mattress at Nocton Hall, and failed to comply with other legal requirements, they were found guilty by Lincoln Magistrates in their absence.

They were each fined £600, ordered to pay £250 costs and imposed with a victim surcharge of £15, totalling £1,730, which will be recovered through a collection order made against them.

The waste was found on October 26 last year, including school and library books bearing a child’s name, school and class teacher, which all helped to trace the bed’s origins.

After failing to attend interviews three times over three months, a notice was served on May 3 giving seven days to respond, which they didn’t. They were given a further seven days, followed by a letter from legal services and then notification of the court case – failing to attend that too.

By failing to comply with a legal notice requiring information regarding the waste and not responding, they were not able to make a defence or denial in relation to the fly-tipping.

Councillor Richard Wright, North Kesteven District Council Executive Board member with responsibility for environmental health, praised the diligence and forensic thoroughness of officers in bringing a successful prosecution.

“Not only has this couple shown an apparent disregard for the environment in which they live by either dumping this bed themselves or by not taking proper measures which has lead to it being fly-tipped, but they then showed utter contempt towards the authority of the council and court in upholding the regulations that seek to protect the places we live,” said Cllr Wright.

“This prosecution also serves as a reminder of the need to dispose of all waste items carefully, properly and within the law, using the facilities provided by the District Council for the purpose.”

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