Landowner who allowed 'dangerous' fires to burn slapped with heavy fine

Tameside Magistrates' Court.

A man from Shaw who allowed "anti-social" and "dangerous" fires to burn on his land has been ordered to pay more than £2,400 by a court. 

Environmental Health officers at Oldham Council launched an investigation after receiving reports of fires on Sumner Street. 

After evidence was collected and connected to Gary Curley, the 52-year-old was served with a legal notice to stop burning waste. 

But after ignoring it twice, the council started legal proceedings against Curley. 

The former Sumner Street resident, who failed to appear at Tameside Magistrates' Court, was found guilty of two offences under S48 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014. 

Curley was fined £1,100 for the first offence and £600 for the second offence. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170, plus £596 in costs.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Dirty smoke from illegal fires is bad for residents’ health and no one should have to breathe it in.

“Fires like the ones allowed by Curley are also anti-social and dangerous because they can easily get out of control and cause injuries or damage property.”

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