Man who allowed 'dangerous' fires on his land ordered to pay more than £2,400
Date published: 07 July 2022
Fires like the ones allowed by Curley can easily get out of control and cause injuries or damage property. PIcture courtesy of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
Oldham Council has successfully prosecuted a man who allowed burning to take place on land he owned - polluting the air for local residents.
Environmental Health officers launched an investigation following reports of fires on Sumner Street in Shaw.
Evidence was collected and was connected to Gary Curley, aged 52.
He was served with a legal notice to stop burning waste.
However, this was ignored on two occasions so the council started legal proceedings against Curley.
The former Sumner Street resident was found guilty of two offences under S48 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
He failed to appear in court.
He was fined £1,100 for the first offence and £600 for the second offence and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170 plus £596 costs.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Dirty smoke from illegal fires is bad for residents’ health and no one should have to breathe it in.
“Fires like the ones allowed by Curley are also anti-social and dangerous because they can easily get out of control and cause injuries or damage property.”
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