Fylde coast MP promises tougher rules and 5 years in prison for rogue waste operators amid Fleetwood stink
“Rogue waste operators have harmed communities across our country.”
A Fylde coast MP has said that tougher regulation is on the horizon for waste operators amid the persistent issues surrounding the Jameson Road landfill site in Fleetwood.
Lorraine Beavers, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, took to Facebook to say that new laws would introduce stricter regulation, tracking of waste, and up to 5 years in prison for waste operators.
“Rogue waste operators have harmed communities across our country in pursuit of higher profits but stricter rules and regulations are being introduced to tackle dodgy and dangerous waste disposal,” the statement read.
“New permits will require technical competence, and identity and background checks. The current paper-based registration system which has failed to regulate operators will be replaced by a digital system.”
The MP’s comments come amid government action on the matter, with new reforms set to ‘tighten the net on waste criminals’ with tougher sentences for those illegally dumping waste, and advanced background checks to help put rogue operators out of business.
A statement on the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs website said: “As part of the major crackdown on waste criminals, underpinned by the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, laws being laid this week will require waste handlers to prove they are qualified to transport waste.”
Continuing, Lorraine Beavers MP said: “Waste will be tracked, providing a clear audit trail from collection to disposal and illegally dumping, or falsely describing waste could end in 5 years in prison. In addition to these new laws, the Environment Agency will receive an extra £45 million and be given stronger enforcement powers.
“In Blackpool North and Fleetwood, we know how important proper regulation of the waste industry is and it is great to see tighter rules and harsher consequences being introduced.”