Van seized after fly-tipped rubbish blocks road in Darlaston

Council officers and bailiffs swooped on an address in Birmingham to seize the vehicle involved in a fly-tipping offence in early August.

It came after a van load of commercial and domestic waste was illegally dumped at a fly-tipping hot spot in Darlaston.

The amount deposited was enough to block the road and cause difficulty and potential danger to highway users.

Evidence caught on camera led the team to locate the vehicle to the address in Birmingham from where the van was seized. An investigation has now been launched.

If the owner of the van does not come forward with relevant documentation to claim it, the council can sell or dispose of it.

Councillor Garry Perry, portfolio holder for community, leisure and culture at Walsall Council, said: “I would like to congratulate the team on seizing the initiative, as well as the vehicle in this case.

"For too long, fly-tippers have blighted our communities and been a significant and unnecessary drain on the public purse - money that could be much better spent on other council services, including those that support young people and the most vulnerable.

“Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and this council is committed to dealing with these offenders.

"The message is clear; we are watching and will use all of the tools and powers available to us to catch and deal with these criminals.”

“Obviously we wouldn’t publicise where our covert cameras are and of course they are moved around as necessary but residents should be reassured that we have a good number of them around the borough and they have been invaluable in helping community protection officers to issue seven fixed penalty notices last month alone.

"Is it really worth a £400 fine instead of doing the right thing and disposing of your waste legally?”