A SALFORD man has appeared at Manchester Magistrates, where he pleaded guilty to unlawfully depositing controlled waste. Gareth Walsh, 36, of Dunlin Drive, Irlam, appeared before the Manchester Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to unlawfully depositing three car tyres on land at Harding Street, Salford. This action, a violation of Section 33(1) and Section 33(6) of the Environmental Protection Act, resulted in a fine of £300, underscoring the serious legal consequences of such actions. The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, when Salford City Council's Public Space CCTV team captured footage of the passenger of a black Ford S-Max Zetec TDCI, illegally disposing of three tyres on the said land. This act not only violated environmental laws but also posed a significant fire safety hazard to the surrounding area, including the overhead railway line and the nearby electricity substation. Following thorough investigations, it was revealed that the vehicle was registered under the name of Mr Walsh's partner, with Mr Walsh himself identified as the passenger during the incident. During an interview with the Council's Regulatory Services team, Mr Walsh admitted his involvement and accepted responsibility for his actions. Despite having access to nearby Household Waste Recycling Centres, Mr Walsh failed to utilise these facilities and neglected to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice offered as an alternative to prosecution. In court, Mr Walsh was represented by a defence solicitor who highlighted his familial and financial situations and appealed for leniency on his behalf. Salford City Council stresses the importance of responsible waste disposal practices and adherence to environmental laws to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods, Sports and Leisure, said: "Salford City Council remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding environmental laws and prosecuting illegal waste disposal activities. It is beyond comprehension why anyone would choose to dump waste illegally when there are facilities to dispose of waste locally. The dump site in this case was round the corner from Cobden St Recycling Centre, and there is an excellent facility on Mr Walsh’s doorstep at Boysnope Wharf. This case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of irresponsible actions. We urge all residents to prioritise responsible waste management to safeguard our environment and communities."
