UPDATE: Over 1,200 people have signed a petition demanding Hounslow Council cancel a £1,000 fine imposed on NHS nurse Loretta Alvarez, but the council is standing firm. The penalty stems from Alvarez placing a cardboard Amazon envelope next to overflowing communal bins outside her home in Feltham in October.
This controversial decision has ignited outrage among local residents, who argue that the fine is excessive for what they deem an innocent mistake. The council’s strict enforcement policy has come under fire, as it opted to issue the maximum fly-tipping fine—equivalent to penalties for dumping large quantities of waste—rather than providing a warning.
Alvarez, a single mother, expressed disbelief at the council’s response, stating, “I don’t think the fine is fair.” She acknowledges placing the envelope but insists it does not constitute fly-tipping. In contrast, other items, including a discarded fridge just around the corner from her home, remain unpunished, raising questions about the council’s enforcement priorities.
Councillor Pritam Grewal, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Customer Service and Enforcement, defended the council’s actions, stating, “Ms. Alvarez has admitted to the offence of fly-tipping, and so we are confident that we have done the right thing in upholding the fine.” He confirmed there are currently no plans to cancel the fixed penalty notice (FPN).
In a move to ease the financial burden, a payment plan has been arranged between Alvarez and the council’s enforcement partner, APCOA, beginning in February with four instalments of £250. Despite this arrangement, local sentiment remains strong against the fine, with many expressing frustration over the council’s approach to minor infractions amid larger waste issues.
As public pressure mounts, MyLondon remains committed to advocating for a fair resolution and urges readers to sign the petition against the fine. Residents are encouraged to voice their concerns directly to Councillor Grewal at [email protected].
This developing story highlights the ongoing tensions between local authorities and residents over waste management policies, raising critical questions about fairness, community standards, and the impact of penalizing minor infractions while more serious violations go unchecked.
Stay updated on this urgent situation and more by signing up for our MyWestLondon newsletter for daily news alerts.
