TWO Orford residents have been fined by the courts for failing to properly dispose of their household waste.

Cristina Gherasim, aged 33 and of Clegge Street, and Andreea Ionica Spiridon, aged 26 and of Orford Lane, were prosecuted by Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

Here, they admitted charges of failing to transfer waste to an authorised person and failing to attend an interview.

After receiving reports of rubbish dumped in the rear alleyway of houses at the Orford Lane and Clegge Street junction on January 31, Warrington Borough Council launched an investigation.

The findings linked the waste to Gherasim and Spiridon.

Despite requests to cooperate with the investigation, both residents refused to assist the council by attending an interview.

Gherasim was ordered to pay a total of £330, including a fine of £200, compensation of £50 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £80.

Spiridon meanwhile was ordered to pay £430, again including a fined of £200 and an £80 surcharge, but compensation of £150.

Magistrates expressed the seriousness of the issue and made it clear that fly-tipping was a serious matter which is continuing to be a blight on the community.

The prosecution was welcomed by Cllr John Kerr-Brown, the council’s cabinet member for environment, housing and public protection.

He said: “We all have a responsibility to ensure that our waste is disposed of in a responsible and lawful manner, and that it is not fly-tipped.

“Fly-tipping is an environmental crime, and we will take action against anyone who commits this crime in our communities.

“The council will use all its available powers when investigating.

“This includes pursuing individuals involved with fly-tipping offences to ensure we have all the information available to tackle the problem.

“Anyone with information relating to a fly-tipping incident should report it to the council.”

You can do so by visiting warrington.gov.uk/fly-tipping and to check if a person or business is registered to take your waste away, visit environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers