Police at Preston in Lancashire are working with Network Rail to emphasise the penalties for dumping waste on railway land.

Because of an ongoing problem with fly-tippers in the Deepdale area of Preston, Andy Pratt MBE, Lancashire’s deputy police and crime commissioner has reiterated that anyone dumping waste on railway land can face criminal consequences.

The warning came after several tonnes of stinking household rubbish were found illegally deposited near Skeffington Road in Deepdale on the disused railway line from Preston to Longridge. Among the rubbish deposited was a selection of old sofas, mattresses, and bicycles.

Each year, it costs millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money throughout the country to clear up after illegal dumping of rubbish, money that could otherwise have been used to improve stations and track, and provide better services for passengers and freight in the North West.

Network Rail has a web page that shows how it tackles fly-tipping, which can be seen by clicking here. It also has 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 where incidents of fly-tipping can be reported.
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/living-by-the-railway/litter-and-fly-tipping/.

Andy Pratt MBE, Lancashire’s deputy police and crime commissioner, said: “Local residents have seen this historical railway track as a convenient spot to throw bags of household waste, broken items, old toilets and even mattresses. This not only causes problems for Network Rail who have to foot the bill for the clean up operation but also significantly degrades the environment for the whole community.

“I would urge people to think again – fly-tipping is a criminal offence and those responsible face prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.”

Ian Croucher, Network Rail’s maintenance protection coordinator in Lancashire, said: “We won’t tolerate anyone using the railway as an illegal dumping ground and we do everything we can to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Unsightly waste like this near Skeffington Road is a health and environmental hazard for the local community and we encourage people to report anything they see to Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.”