Two Eastwood residents fined over £1,000 each for flytipping
“Eastwood is plagued with rats.”
Two residents have been ordered by a court to pay fines of more than £1,000 each, following investigations into a fly-tipping incident.
Rostislav Pecha and Helena Pechova, both of Eastwood, were prosecuted by Rotherham Council at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.
The prosecutions followed an investigation into a large fly-tip found on Aldwarke Lane on January 6.
An inspection by council officers found around 23 black bags of household food and waste.
The council said that officers recovered evidence linking the waste to addresses associated with Mr Pecha and Ms Pechova.
During the investigation, the individuals were invited to attend formal interviews, which they failed to respond to or attend.
The cases were heard separately in court, where both defendants failed to appear
The court ordered both defendants to pay a £1,177 fine each.
Councillor Sarah Allen, Cabinet Member for Communities at Rotherham Council, said: “Fly-tipping blights communities and creates unnecessary costs for taxpayers. Our teams work hard to investigate reports and gather evidence, and it is important that people cooperate with those investigations when legally required to do so.
“These prosecutions demonstrate that we will take enforcement action against anyone who fails to comply with notices issued as part of our investigations. We are committed to keeping Rotherham clean and safe for residents and will continue to pursue those who disregard environmental laws.”
Eastwood residents are fed up of the fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour plaguing their streets
Flytipping and anti-social behaviour has been a reported issue for over a decade in Eastwood, Rotherham.
On Facebook, residents have formed a group called ‘How clean is Eastwood’, which reports daily the rubbish that is being thrown on their streets.
Resident Jamie Kirk, 46, said: “What a mess we’re living in, 15 years and counting and it’s still not sorted.”
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced by Rotherham Council in 2019, renewed in 2022, and will last until 2028.
Despite threats of fines and criminal convictions, the fly tipping continues to consume the streets of Eastwood.
Andrew Willshaw, 46, said: “I’ve personally seen full houses, beds, mattresses, old TVs just been thrown out at the front doors and back doors.
“I’d say 80 per cent is residents, but because Eastwood is known for fly tipping, now we’ve got out-of-towners coming in and dumping,” he said.
On the streets and paths, residents are met with rodent carcasses and even loose dirty nappies.
“Eastwood is plagued with rats. They’re not afraid to come out in the day either,” Andrew said.