A WOMAN has been left more than £1,000 worse off after failing to provide information about flytipping.

Holly Dobson, 34, of Poplar Street in Stanley, was prosecuted by Durham County Council for failing to assist a flytipping investigation.

In January 2017, neighbourhood wardens were alerted to household waste left on land in the Bushblades Lane area.

An item found at the scene bore Dobson’s address, and a neighbourhood warden called at her home but received no answer.

The following month, the warden issued a notice requiring Dobson to attend an interview, but no response was received despite a reminder letter being issued.

The case went before magistrates and Dobson pleaded not guilty by post to failing to provide information to assist with a flytipping investigation and offence.

Following a trial at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court, she was fined £440, ordered to pay costs of £560 and a victim surcharge of £44.

Ian Hoult, from Durham County Council, said: “This prosecution should act as a warning that failing to assist in our enquiries can lead to a hefty fine.

“While we are aware that most people do the right thing, there are still those who continue to break the law and we are determined to tackle the issue of flytipping across the county.

“There is never an excuse for flytipping”.