Three fined for dropping litter

Three people from across the borough have been convicted of littering.

The cases were brought by Rochdale Borough Council’s Legal and Democratic Services Team.

Corporate Enforcement Officers witnessed Nico Lancaster, 20, of Balderstone Road, Rochdale, throw a lighted cigarette end onto the pavement at Yorkshire Street, Rochdale on 19 October 2011 and leave it there.

Mr Lancaster pleaded guilty to one offence contrary to section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. He was fined £75 and ordered to pay costs of £65.

Carl Andrews, 32, of Mellalieu Street, Middleton, was convicted of throwing a cigarette end onto the floor at Grimshaw Lane, Middleton on 31 October and leaving it there.

Natalie Ellis, 29, of Guildford Grove, Middleton, was convicted of throwing a lighted cigarette end onto the pavement in Fountain Street, Middleton on 16 November and leaving it there.

Neither Ms Ellis nor Mr Andrews attended court. They were found guilty in their absence and each was fined £175 and ordered to pay costs of £323.

The three people had each been issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for £75, reduced to £50 if paid within seven days of their respective offences, but failed to pay them.

Payment of the Fixed Penalty Notices would, in each case, have brought the matter to a conclusion.