We have charged a man and a limited company in connection with a large-scale fly-tipping incident that blocked Watery Lane with more than 27 tonnes of waste in January.
The individual, from Uttoxeter, faces multiple charges including depositing waste, endangering road users, dangerous driving, breaching HGV drivers’ hours regulations, and obstructing the highway. If found guilty, he could face up to seven years in prison.
The company, based near Stafford, has been charged with depositing the waste and obstructing the highway.
In the early hours of Monday 20 January 2025, a huge pile of waste measuring over 20 metres long, 2 metres high, and weighing more than 27 tonnes was illegally dumped on Watery Lane, completely blocking access for local residents and businesses.
As part of the investigation, our environmental health officers raided a site in Staffordshire on 21 March 2025 and seized a lorry believed to have been used in the incident. The council has retained the vehicle and will apply to the court for its forfeiture if the defendants are convicted.
Both the man and the company are scheduled to appear at Cannock Magistrates’ Court at 10am on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
The Leader of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Doug Pullen, said:
“This was an appalling act of environmental crime. Local people woke up to find their only route to and from their homes completely blocked, and the cost to the taxpayer of removing and disposing of the waste was nearly £10,000.
“Thanks to the swift action of our environmental health officers, suspects were quickly identified, leading to these charges. We take a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping, because that’s what our communities rightly expect.
“This case is about more than prosecution. It’s about protecting our environment, supporting law-abiding businesses, safeguarding local people—and sending a strong message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated.”