TEST Valley civic chiefs are urging the public about the risk of ignoring their flytipping investigations.

It follows a court appearance of a woman who snubbed officers and has been ordered to pay £1,778.84.

Sarah Kepple failed to respond to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) officers and their waste-related investigation.

On January 29 2021, TVBC became aware of a large fly-tip on land just off Lee Lane near Romsey.

READ MORE HERE: Council probing major fly-tip near Wellow

The waste included fridges, a washing machine, mattresses, toys, clothes, bottles, a headboard and numerous other items.

Information obtained within the waste eventually led officers to Kepple, of William Macleod Way, Shirley, Southampton.

On November 28 2022, the defendant was sent an invitation to attend an interview under caution on December 14 2022. She failed to attend.

Kepple was sent a formal notice requesting her to attend the council offices on January 5 2023 in order to assist with the investigation into the fly-tip. No response was received, and the defendant failed to attend.

SEE MORE: Man caught flytipping by covert camera

At Southampton Magistrates Court on 5 May 2023, Kepple was fined £660 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £264 and costs of £854.84.

Portfolio holder for recycling and environmental services, Councillor David Drew, said: “If you receive a notice from TVBC requesting your assistance with a fly-tipping investigation, the easiest and best thing to do is to respond and check how you can help.

"In situations like this, not only does it delay the investigation and cause more work for our officers, but it could also land you with quite a hefty fine.”