A PAIR of Andover fly-tippers have been prosecuted within days of one another after dumping rubbish in the town.

Within two days of each other last week, Dale Lealman and Lily Pearson appeared at Basingstoke magistrates’ court after council investigations into fly-tips that took place in September last year.

Both were in the dock after throwing their waste away illegally.

Ms Pearson initially failed to attend court, but after a warrant was issued for her arrest she spent the night behind bars before the case was heard the next day. Magistrates convicted her and made her pay the council’s £120 costs.

The 20-year-old had dumped black bags of food waste, plastic containers and general household waste and packaging on land near her Genoa Court home.

Mr Lealman, meanwhile, admitted dumping a plastic scooter, hose reel and household waste in Green Drove, Upper Enham. He was fined £320 and made to pay the council’s costs of £301.

Now, the council’s environmental portfolio holder, councillor Alison Johnston, has implored those who may flout the law, to think about their actions rather than “selfishly” dump their waste wherever they like.

Councillor Johnston said: “While I’m extremely grateful to the hard work of the council’s environmental and legal staff, they should not have to be prosecuting fly-tippers.

“If everyone got rid of their waste responsibly and legally, rather than selfishly, then we wouldn’t be in this position.

“The choice is incredibly simple and I cannot believe that residents still think about doing this and that they believe they can get away with it. Our policy is simple in that every report made to us is investigated in full and if we find sufficient evidence then we will seek to prosecute you.

“If anyone is in any doubt about using a waste carrier, then you can check whether they’re licensed through the Environment Agency website.

“And if you have information on any fly-tips, you can always speak to our environmental service team in complete confidence on 01264 368000 or 01794 527700.”