**Aberaman Man Fined Over Persistent Fly-Tipping Outside Own Home**
A waste service operator from Aberaman, Aberdare, has been prosecuted following a series of incidents where he turned the pavement outside his home into an unofficial dumping ground. Daniel Morgan, the proprietor of Dan’s Disposal Services, reportedly ignored multiple warnings from Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council as he steadily amassed an array of discarded items on the public footpath, causing concern and distress among his neighbours.
Morgan’s actions came under formal scrutiny in April 2024 after the council received complaints from local residents. Upon visiting Sunnybank Street, enforcement officers observed that the waste extended the length of Morgan’s terraced property and, in places, completely blocked the pavement. Inspectors described the scene as hazardous, with items precariously stacked and protruding into the road.
Among the items dumped by Morgan were piles of used tyres, sections of kitchen worktops, broken sofas, doors, and panes of glass. Photos released by the council showed the volume and variety of the rubbish, illustrating what officials termed an “unacceptable obstruction to pedestrians and a risk to public safety.” The council commented that there appeared to be no limits to what was left on the pavement, with piles growing steadily over time.
Council officers promptly advised Morgan that the waste needed to be removed immediately and reminded him that local bylaws forbid storing refuse on public highways. He was warned that further non-compliance would result in more stringent enforcement measures, including a possible Community Protection Warning. However, it soon emerged that Morgan had refused to heed the advice.
Just weeks after the initial visit, council staff received further complaints indicating that the issue persisted. Another inspection confirmed that Morgan had continued using the public pavement as a makeshift skip, again leaving items unsecured and compounding the risk of injury to passers-by. In line with procedure, Morgan was issued a formal warning letter, which catalogued the requirements for compliance, and he was informed that ignoring this would result in a Community Protection Notice (CPN) – an official order established to deter recalcitrant behaviour that negatively affects community welfare.
Despite the warnings and mounting evidence, Morgan’s unlawful conduct reportedly continued. A third council inspection, prompted by yet another resident’s complaint, found waste dumped outside both numbers 12 and 16 Sunnybank Street. The detritus on this occasion included mirrors, builders’ sacks filled with rubbish, dismantled furniture, and a plastic patio chair, further underscoring the ongoing nature of the breach.
The council subsequently issued Morgan a CPN. Nevertheless, within ten days, yet another fresh complaint led to the discovery that Morgan had failed to comply, resulting in a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). He was ordered to remove the rubbish in line with the CPN or risk further escalation. Over the following three months, the council received three additional complaints, each giving rise to a further fixed penalty, amounting to four FPNs and £400 in fines.
Since Morgan failed both to pay the penalties and to clear the offending waste, the matter was escalated to court. Morgan pleaded not guilty to the charges at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court in January 2025 but failed to attend his subsequent trial dates. In his absence, the court imposed a total of £2,170 in penalties, which included four £250 fines in respect of the unpaid FPNs, £770 in legal costs, and a £400 victim surcharge.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member at RCT Council, emphasised the council’s zero-tolerance stance towards fly-tipping, highlighting the burden such incidents place on local communities as well as council resources. She noted, “It is never acceptable to treat our public streets as dumping grounds. Mr Morgan’s actions blighted his own neighbourhood and endangered public safety. His persistent disregard for the law has resulted in a hefty fine and a criminal record.”
Fly-tipping continues to cost councils across Wales significant sums each year, diverting crucial funds away from frontline services. The council has reiterated its commitment to using every legal avenue available to combat illegal waste disposal and to hold offenders accountable for their actions.
Residents are encouraged to report similar incidents to their local authority in order to maintain safe and welcoming public spaces for everyone.