A total of eight residents have been prosecuted for environmental offences across Blackburn and Darwen, following reports of dumped black bin bags in back alleys and accumulated rubbish in backyards. The cases, which date back to February 2025, were largely reported by concerned neighbours.
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Environmental Crime Officers investigated each case by identifying the culprits via waste searches and offering them a chance to explain their actions. Despite being invited to a formal interview under caution (known as a PACE interview), none of the individuals attended — leading to ignored £75 fixed penalty notices and subsequent legal action.
The result? Criminal records and fines totalling £4,721.
Among those named and prosecuted:
- Mr Shahzad Akber, Carham Road, Blackburn – fined £220 for allowing rubbish to be dumped on land he owns.
- Miss Melissa Mitchell, Hall Street, Blackburn – fined £220 for waste in her backyard.
- Mr Ahsan Muhammad and Mrs Kosar Rehana, Burlington Street, Blackburn – each fined £220 for alleyway dumping.
- Ambreen Pervaiz Saleem, of Wilmslow, for waste on land in Clayton Street, Blackburn – fined £146.
- Miss Christina Whittle, Anyon Street, Darwen – fined £440 for two offences involving bin bags.
- Miss Leah Wiggett and Mr Steven Wright, Sudellside Street, Darwen – fined £220 each for backyard waste.
Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Communities, said:
“Sending perpetrators for prosecution is a clear message that we don’t accept such negligence in Blackburn with Darwen. To think they could have avoided such penalties by coming and having a chat with us, is ludicrous.”
He added that the Environmental Crime Team, although small, continues to punch above its weight in tackling littering, fly-tipping and poor waste management across the borough.
🧾 Fines Breakdown
| Resident | Offence | Fine + Costs + Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Shahzad Akber | Waste on own land | £663 |
| Melissa Mitchell | Backyard waste | £691 |
| Ahsan Muhammad | Dumped bin bags | £489.50 |
| Kosar Rehana | Dumped bin bags | £489.50 |
| Ambreen Saleem | Waste on owned land | £691 |
| Christina Whittle | 2 offences, alley dumping | £918 |
| Leah Wiggett | Backyard waste | £499.50 |
| Steven Wright | Backyard waste | £499.50 |
✅ Know Your Options
If you’re struggling with excess waste, the council offers a bulky waste collection from just £7.50. Residents can also request recycling education visits to ensure waste is being handled responsibly.
🔗 Report issues or get help:
- Environmental crime team: envirocrime@blackburn.gov.uk
- Request recycling education: blackburn.gov.uk (search “bins and recycling”)
- Bulky waste booking: Available via the council website
