Rossendale Borough Council has taken legal action against a local farm, Hey Head Farm in Bacup, for improperly storing large quantities of waste materials. The Environment Agency alerted the council’s Public Protection Unit after discovering thousands of tonnes of controlled waste on the premises, leading to a Community Protection Warning being issued.
The warning demanded that Hey Head Farm Holdings Ltd remove the unlawful waste and cease depositing more of the said material on the site. Despite this directive, the farm did not comply, prompting the council to issue a Community Protection Notice (CPN) outlining the same demands.
Legal action on waste mismanagement
Initially given until the end of October 2022 to adhere to the CPN, the operator eventually faced prosecution in June 2024 for non-compliance.
Hey Head Farm Holdings Ltd pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court and was fined nearly £5,000, including a £3,000 fine, a £1,200 victim surcharge, and £700 in costs.
This successful prosecution sends a clear message that Rossendale will not tolerate any actions that compromise the safety of our community and environment
Councillor Adrian Lythgoe
Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, Rossendale Council’s lead member for Environmental and Corporate Services, stated that the prosecution’s success clearly signals the district’s firm stance against any actions that endanger the safety of its community and environment.
He emphasised that the council’s primary goal is to provide a high-quality environment throughout the borough, with a strong commitment to enforcing environmental regulations so that residents can enjoy a clean and safe living space.
The council urges all Rossendale community members to actively participate in safeguarding the area’s environmental well-being by reporting any suspected environmental crimes through the borough’s dedicated reporting system.
The successful outcome of Rossendale Borough Council’s legal action against Hey Head Farm signifies their unwavering commitment to prioritising the welfare of both the environment and community members within their jurisdiction. By taking a strong position against improper waste storage, they continue to uphold environmental regulations and ensure a healthier, more sustainable borough for residents.
