A Littlehampton company and its director have been fined a total of nearly £17,000 following the illegal dumping of hundreds of ketchup bottles in Anchor Springs car park in October 2024.
Arun District Council successfully prosecuted Rubbish Cleared Promptly Ltd and its director, Simon Cole, at Worthing Magistrates’ Court. The case highlighted the significant impact fly-tipping has on local communities.
The incident involved a trailer loaded with hundreds of tomato ketchup bottles that was abandoned in a busy car park in Littlehampton. The company’s operatives left the waste behind, which led to a full investigation by the council.
As a result, Rubbish Cleared Promptly Ltd was fined £8,000, ordered to pay £3,180.50 in costs, and a £2,000 victim surcharge. Director Simon Cole was fined £432, with £3,180.50 in costs and a £173 victim surcharge also imposed. The total penalty amounted to £16,966 and was enforced on 22 June 2026.
Councillor Amanda Worne, Chair of the Environment Committee, emphasised the broader damage caused by fly-tipping, including harm to wildlife and the wellbeing of the community. She said, “Fly-tipping is a serious environmental crime that blights our communities, damages habitats and wildlife, and creates an eyesore for residents and visitors alike. It also costs taxpayers money to investigate and clear up.”
She urged residents to remain vigilant and warned about the risks of using unlicensed waste carriers.
Arun District Council encourages residents to report any suspected fly-tipping and to ensure that those handling waste are properly licensed to help prevent similar offences in the future.
Originally published by UKNIP.
