Latest news with #EnvironmentalProtectionAct1990
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners warned about destructive plant 'as bad as knotweed'
Gardening experts have raised concerns about this seemingly innocent-looking plant which can cause "significant damage" to buildings Buddleia might add a dash of colour to UK gardens, but these purple plants have already caused significant distress about their potential to cause considerable damage to properties. Experts fear that the plant, which is also known as the "butterfly bush", can be problematic for homeowners and some have already equated its level of threat to another notorious horticultural hazard, Japanese knotweed. Environmental Controls, a company specialising in removing invasive weeds, has warned homeowners regarding the often underestimated dangers of buddleia. Beloved for its attractive blooms, the plant is notorious for tearing through buildings, exploiting any weakness, such as cracks and fragile mortar, similar to the feared knotweed. Speaking on the matter, company spokesman Jennifer Holmes said: "Both buddleia and knotweed can cause significant damage to building structures, however buddleia is less likely to damage underground infrastructure due to its shallow root system. "Both are highly invasive and difficult to eradicate, but buddleia (unlike knotweed) can grow in hard to access areas such as roofs, guttering, window sills and walls – basically anywhere that a seed lands it can grow. Knotweed, on the other hand, requires its roots to be on the ground in order to form plants, and quickly spreads." Jennifer pointed out that buddleia's rapid growth, reaching heights up to 15 feet – dwarfing Japanese knotweed – should be of significant concern for those owning property. Despite these warnings, buddleia remains unlisted on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, thus UK residents are still at liberty to plant it in their gardens, reports Devon Live. Experts are warning homeowners to be vigilant for the aggressive plant, particularly if it's not a controlled garden plant. Keep an eye out for it sprouting from neglected corners of roofs and walls where it flourishes unnoticed, and tackle eradication before it takes root. Japanese knotweed is subject to stringent legal controls due to its invasive nature and potential to cause property damage. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. Property owners are legally obliged to prevent the spread of Japanese knotweed from their land to neighbouring properties. Japanese knotweed is classified as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Its disposal must adhere to specific regulations to prevent environmental contamination. The presence of Japanese knotweed can impact property sales and mortgage approvals. Sellers are required to disclose its presence, and failure to do so can lead to legal repercussions. Effective management often requires professional treatment over several years. DIY removal is discouraged due to the plant's resilience and the risk of spreading.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Exact times you can legally mow your garden lawn on weekend without facing fine
People will be out in their gardens mowing the lawn, but there are exact times you can legally do it without facing a fine - and there are different rules for weekdays and weekends As 'No Mow May' has come to an end, garden enthusiasts can dust off their lawn mowers for the season's first trim. However, they're being warned to watch the clock when it comes to weekend gardening or risk facing fines of up to £5,000. Local authorities have the power to penalise those who disrupt the peace by mowing at unsociable hours, with potential Noise Abatement Notices on the cards if your grass-cutting grates on the neighbours. During the week, firing up the mower between 8am and 8pm is generally fine, but come the weekend, it's best to keep it between 9am and 7pm to avoid any trouble, reports the Express. East Coast Fencing advises: "Most people naturally opt for weekends to complete household and garden chores, including mowing the lawn. However, weekends are also when noise complaints tend to rise as families aim to relax or catch up on sleep. To prevent frustrations, pay extra attention to the timing of your mowing on Saturdays and Sundays. "On weekdays, acceptable mowing hours typically range from around 8am to 8pm in residential areas. This range takes into account workers who may need to start their lawns early before their workday or later in the evening upon returning home. Weekday allowances are often slightly more flexible compared to weekends. "During weekends, stricter noise rules may apply due to the majority of residential homes being occupied throughout the day. For instance, many councils recommend no lawn mowing before 9am on Saturdays and 10am on Sundays, with a cut-off time of 7pm. These specific timings may vary depending on local council noise regulations, so checking their advice is strongly recommended. "There is no nationwide restriction on when individuals may cut their grass; however, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with powers to address noise that constitutes a statutory nuisance." Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, explains: "Non-compliance with an abatement notice can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000 for domestic premises. This is not an empty threat - these fines are real, and local authorities do enforce them. "To be more precise, noise that is excessive, unreasonable, and persistent, particularly during unsociable hours, can result in abatement notices, fines up to £5,000, and in some cases, even prosecution. "Avoid very early or late hours. Generally speaking, it's safest to operate noisy tools between 9am and 7pm. Notify neighbours in advance of using machinery like hedge trimmers or pressure washers. Opt for quieter tools where possible. "Limit duration and avoid back-to-back noisy days, especially on weekends. Consider your neighbours' specific circumstances (e.g., shift workers, infants), and adjust accordingly."
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Leader Live
Moel Famau fly-tippers fined following investigation
It comes following an investigation led by Fly-Tipping Action Wales, in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Barhan Fakraden, 38, and Paige Brittles, 27, both from Ruthin, pleaded guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The case was heard at Llandudno Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (May 27). The court imposed Band D fines on both defendants, with Ms Brittles ordered to pay a total of £938. Mr Fakraden received a higher penalty of £1,830 and both were ordered to repay the amounts in monthly instalments of £100. The fly-tipping incident came to light on November 11, 2024, when a Ranger from Dee Valley National Landscape discovered six bags of dumped waste on NRW-managed land at Moel Famau. The bags were retrieved and taken to Loggerheads Country Park, where identifying materials were found among the rubbish – including packaging and personal items linking the waste to the two defendants. Following initial contact from NRW officers, both individuals failed to attend voluntary interviews at Denbigh Police Station. They were later issued with statutory notices requiring them to attend on December 19, 2024. During these formal interviews, neither could give a satisfactory explanation as to how their waste ended up at the site. TOP STORIES TODAY While both claimed that a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish, it was discovered that the supposed arrangement only began on the day of the interviews, casting doubt on their statements. Neil Harrison, team leader for Fly-tipping Action Wales, said: 'Fly-tipping is a criminal offence that damages our environment, costs taxpayers money, and puts people and wildlife at risk. "This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we take these incidents seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who show such disregard for our natural places. "We'd like to thank our partners at Dee Valley National Landscape and North Wales Police for their support in this investigation.'
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Wales Online
Fly-tippers who dumped rubbish at beauty spot caught after bags were searched
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Fly-tippers who dumped waste at a North Wales beauty spot were busted after investigators checked what was in the bags. In November last year, six bags of waste were found dumped on land at Moel Famau. After the bags were searched, personal items were discovered which linked the haul back to Barhan Fakraden and Paige Brittles. The pair, of Ruthin, initially claimed a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish. But further investigations "cast doubt" on this claim, and the pair were prosecuted as part of an investigation led by Fly Tipping Action Wales, in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Fakraden, 38, and Brittles, 27, pleaded guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Llandudno Magistrates Court on May 27. Brittles was ordered to pay a total of £938, while Fakraden received a £1,830 penalty. A Natural Resources Wales [NRW] spokesperson said: "The fly-tipping incident came to light on 11 November 2024, when a ranger from Dee Valley National Landscape discovered six bags of dumped waste on NRW-managed land at Moel Famau. The bags were retrieved and taken to Loggerheads Country Park, where identifying materials were found among the rubbish – including packaging and personal items linking the waste to the two defendants. "Following initial contact from NRW officers, both individuals failed to attend voluntary interviews at Denbigh Police Station. They were later issued with statutory notices requiring them to attend on 19 December 2024. During these formal interviews, neither could give a satisfactory explanation as to how their waste ended up at the site. "While both claimed that a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish, it was discovered that the supposed arrangement only began on the day of the interviews, casting doubt on their statements." Neil Harrison, Team Leader for Fly-tipping Action Wales, added: 'Fly-tipping is a criminal offence that damages our environment, costs taxpayers money, and puts people and wildlife at risk. "This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we take these incidents seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who show such disregard for our natural places. We'd like to thank our partners at Dee Valley National Landscape and North Wales Police for their support in this investigation.' You can sign up for all the latest court stories here Find crime figures for your area
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- North Wales Live
Fly-tippers who dumped rubbish at beauty spot caught after bags were searched
Fly-tippers who dumped waste at a North Wales beauty spot were busted after investigators checked what was in the bags. In November last year, six bags of waste were found dumped on land at Moel Famau. After the bags were searched, personal items were discovered which linked the haul back to Barhan Fakraden and Paige Brittles. The pair, of Ruthin, initially claimed a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish. But further investigations "cast doubt" on this claim, and the pair were prosecuted as part of an investigation led by Fly Tipping Action Wales, in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Fakraden, 38, and Brittles, 27, pleaded guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Llandudno Magistrates Court on May 27. Brittles was ordered to pay a total of £938, while Fakraden received a £1,830 penalty. A Natural Resources Wales [NRW] spokesperson said: "The fly-tipping incident came to light on 11 November 2024, when a ranger from Dee Valley National Landscape discovered six bags of dumped waste on NRW-managed land at Moel Famau. The bags were retrieved and taken to Loggerheads Country Park, where identifying materials were found among the rubbish – including packaging and personal items linking the waste to the two defendants. "Following initial contact from NRW officers, both individuals failed to attend voluntary interviews at Denbigh Police Station. They were later issued with statutory notices requiring them to attend on 19 December 2024. During these formal interviews, neither could give a satisfactory explanation as to how their waste ended up at the site. "While both claimed that a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish, it was discovered that the supposed arrangement only began on the day of the interviews, casting doubt on their statements." Neil Harrison, Team Leader for Fly-tipping Action Wales, added: 'Fly-tipping is a criminal offence that damages our environment, costs taxpayers money, and puts people and wildlife at risk. "This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we take these incidents seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who show such disregard for our natural places. We'd like to thank our partners at Dee Valley National Landscape and North Wales Police for their support in this investigation.'
