COUNCIL officials have done a u-turn on their decision to prosecute an 82-year-old for fly-tipping.

Rosetta Maynard received a court summons after falling victim to a conman who offered to dispose of her rubbish but later dumped it in Walthamstow.

Waltham Forest Council prosecuted her for failing to check the man had a licence to dispose of waste before paying him to remove it.

But, since being contacted by the Guardian, Waltham Forest Council has reviewed the case and decided not to prosecute the pensioner.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, cabinet member for the environment, said: “I am disgusted with those who exploit older residents in this way.

“Given the circumstance, the Council has decided we will not proceed with this prosecution.”

Mrs Maynard, who lives in Edmonton, said she was pleased the council were dropping the case, but was too emotional to speak.

Her granddaughter Katie Maynard, 27, said: “I'm ecstatic. I can't thank the Guardian enough for everything you've done.

“I see it as a victory for common sense. I dread to think what would have happened if my gran lived on her own and we weren't here to fight for her.”

Mrs Maynard had paid a man posing as a reputable businessman £60 to clear some waste from her back garden which had been left after a recent bathroom refit.

But council officials found the rubbish dumped near Folly Lane, Walthamstow, and traced it back to Mrs Maynard because her address was on some packaging.

She was prosecuted for failing to check if the man had a licence to transport waste and the summons stated she could face costs of at least £600 and any fine imposed by the court on top of that.

Cllr Loakes said the council would consider the fact some vulnerable elderly residents can fall prey to conmen in future cases.

He said: “The council will treat every case on its merits and will continue to seek to prosecute persons who are disposing of their waste incorrectly either by handing it to persons who are not authorised to dispose of it or who are fly-tipping it themselves.

“Consideration will be given to the fact that elderly residents can be more vulnerable to being targeted by the unscrupulous 'white van man' fly tippers and as such become victims themselves.

“We will be contacting Mrs Maynard to advise her on the correct way of disposing of her waste to ensure that she is not put into this sort of situation in the future.”

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