Asbestos Fly-Tipper Caught and Fined in Pevensey Marshes Scandal
Phoebe Ripley, 33, from Hailsham, has been slapped with a £2,105 fine after dumping hazardous asbestos waste near Pevensey. She pleaded guilty at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on September 20, 2022, following a crackdown by Wealden District Council.
16 Black Sacks of Dangerous Waste Dumped in April 2021
In April 2021, around 16 black sacks stuffed with broken asbestos roofing sheets, tarpaulin, and other debris were dumped along New Bridge Road verge, Rickney, near Pevensey. The illegal fly-tipping posed a serious environmental risk to the area.
Caught by Council After Resident’s Evidence Saves Them
Wealden’s Street Scene Enforcement Team traced the toxic waste to a Lancing resident who had employed Ripley and an accomplice to renovate a garage roof. Though this resident showed proof of lawful waste disposal, Ripley failed to provide any documentation or explanation for the dumped asbestos.
Council Cracks Down: Heavy Fines and Clear Warning
Ripley was ordered to pay a £1,000 fine, a £100 victim surcharge, plus £1,005.66 towards council costs for her illegal dumping.
Councillor Ray Cade warned, “Anyone who produces or handles waste has a legal duty to dispose of it properly to protect our beautiful countryside. The council will not tolerate fly-tipping and will take swift action against offenders.”
