A VAN used to commit fly-tipping in the district has been crushed and recycled after being seized by Bradford Council enforcement officers.

The Renault Kangoo van met its end in the giant crusher in the yard of European Metal Recyclng’s (EMR) Bradford depot.

The 15-year-old van had been seen on at least six occasions, fly-tipping in and around the Bradford West area, but environmental enforcement officers suspect it could have been involved in many more.

A Neighbourhood Warden spotted the van parked on double yellow lines on Upper Woodlands Road, off Duckworth Lane, in January this year and it was taken away.

No one came forward to claim ownership and enquires are ongoing to find the keeper of the van so they can be questioned about the fly-tipping.

Using powers which came into force in 2015, local authorities can seize a vehicle if there is evidence that it has been used for fly-tipping and a there is a suspicion that it might be used again.

The owner has 15 days to come forward to claim the vehicle but if not, the Council has the option to sell it and use the proceeds in the fight against environmental crime.

After an examination the seized Kangoo was seen to be worthless and un-roadworthy - as is often the case – so it was disposed of.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “This is another small victory in the on-going war against fly-tipping criminals.

“It was a pity we couldn’t make some value out of the vehicle but having it crushed like this means it can’t ever be used again to dump rubbish on Bradford’s streets.

“We will do everything we can to track down those people who have been making money out of damaging our environment and to make them pay for their crimes.

“Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and we are doing our best to try to tackle it, but we need members of the public to support our efforts by reporting offenders.”

If you see fly-tipping taking place, please note down as many details as possible, including vehicle licence plate numbers and inform the Council.

Fly-tipping can be reported be calling the Council 01274 431000 or online at www.bradford.gov.uk.

People are also reminded that if they use unlicensed traders to get rid of their rubbish they are also liable if it is fly-tipped and traced back to them.

They can end up with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £250 or a prosecution through the courts.

People can check whether contractors taking away their rubbish have a Waste Carriers’ Licence on the Public Register on the Environment Agency website at gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency or by ringing 03708 506506.