Caught on camera – and they paid. £450 fine settled early

A private event in Lawley has cost one hirer £450 after a mountain of rubbish was left next to a public litter bin.

The waste was discovered on Bryce Way on 6 December 2025. Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers found documents in the pile. These papers linked the mess to a person living in Leegomery.

CCTV footage from Lawley Village Academy helped officers track the source. The video showed people dumping the waste after a private function in the school hall.

The person who hired the hall was called in for an interview under caution. They admitted to booking the room but denied dumping the bags. They also refused to name the people seen on the CCTV.

Because the individuals dumping the waste could not be identified, the council issued a Duty of Care Fixed Penalty Notice instead. This fine is given when a person fails to ensure their waste is disposed of legally.

The £450 fine has already been paid.

Councillor Richard Overton, Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, said: “Everyone has a legal duty of care to make sure their waste is disposed of responsibly. Dumping rubbish next to public bins or in any public place is unacceptable.”

He added: “Thanks to swift work by our officers and support from the school, we were able to identify the source of the waste and take appropriate enforcement action. We will continue to ensure we make Telford and Wrekin a cleaner, greener and safer place to live and prosecute wherever people do not look after the place we call home.”

Residents are reminded to use official recycling centres at Hortonwood and Halesfield or book a bulky waste collection for large items.