Fi Harrington at Anna in Primrose Hill

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BUSINESSES in Primrose Hill which have had rubbish fines imposed on them say there is no “human element” to the way the council is dealing with litter on the streets.

Fines of £1,000 for fly-tipping have been sent to some of the companies in Regent’s Park Road, issued by environmental enforcement services Kingdom LA Support acting on behalf of the council.

Businesses say that there are issues with rubbish collection from the waste contractors they use and that when their rubbish is not properly collected, or there are issues with timing, there is a risk they could be fined by the council.

Home Kitchen, a newly established non-profit restaurant which employs homeless people said that receiving a £1,000 fine within the first eight weeks of opening was “shocking”.

Zack Jones, manager at Home Kitchen, said: “We’re a new business and it’s underhand and we’re doing so many good things in terms of helping the homeless and people in jeopardy.

“I would very much like to appeal the fine, or make a petition or even take it to court. Everyone on the street experiencing the same thing feels the same way. There’s no proof, there’s no evidence. If the waste contractors aren’t doing a good job and can’t control rubbish on this street, it’s not our fault.”

He added:  “I would have even appreciated a warning, understanding we’ve just moved in. We have no guidance on times when we put our rubbish out, then if no one comes to collect it and someone walks past and assumes we’re fly-tipping it’s just not fair.”

The fashion retail shop Anna told the New Journal they had also been fined.

Fi Harrington, its manager, said: “Recently I saw some environmental officers with gloves on who said they were checking the rubbish in the street. They picked up a piece of cardboard and asked if it was ours and I said, yes it looks like it’s been moved.

“We put all our cardboard together and put a green sticker on it and are told to place it outside. What must have happened is someone had taken and used the cardboard, then left it. “We’re not in control if our rubbish is being moved by anyone that passes by. But it was in the wrong place and I said to them I’ll take it back, and they said no, they were going to fine me.”

She added: “There was no human element to it. I’ve been emailing a couple of times to try and explain the situation but they said this is regarded as fly-tipping.

“Then I found out many of the businesses on the street had been fined and were in a similar situation and it’s ridiculous.

“For one piece of cardboard that’s been moved… We’ve been a business that’s been here for almost 30 years. It irritates me so much because the council just want your money, but they’re not actually sorting out the situation.

“I came to work the other day and one of the bags was ripped open by a fox – so is that regarded as fly-tipping then? Are we supposed to fine the fox?”

Fines are reduced to £500 if paid early.

“It’s just really frustrating. I just think they’re being really unfair to us, because we can’t control it,” said Ms Harrington. “Unless we have bins that are properly provided and sealed off or something, I don’t know what the answer is.”

Sweet Things owner Natalie Allen said her business had not yet been fined but said: “I feel like I’m next. It’s tough enough for small businesses and they’re nit-picking going through your rubbish and it’s absolutely appalling.

“People are only human and I think they are taking the human aspect out of it. I want the council to actually see for themselves on a day-to-day basis – not to use an external company – and to come and talk to the businesses. Communication is key, and that’s where it’s all gone wrong.

A spokesperson from Kingdom LA Support said: “Recent Fixed Penalty Notices issued to businesses in Primrose Hill highlight the need for businesses to take responsibility for their waste and follow the rules. “Every business has a duty to manage its waste responsibly. That means working with licensed contractors, securing waste until it’s collected, and ensuring schedules are followed. Blaming others – whether it’s the council or members of the public tampering with rubbish – doesn’t remove this responsibility.”

Camden’s environment chief Councillor Adam Harrison said: “We need everybody to play their part in keeping the borough clean. The legislation states that incorrectly disposed waste and recycling remain the responsibility of the business that placed it out, rather than of the waste collector.”

He said the council was aware that some collectors were failing to regularly pick up their customers’ business waste on time – and the council’s environment team would now be exploring options to persuade them to do better.

He added: “Looking ahead, as part of our extra £1 million investment in street cleaning alongside jet washing and extra street sweeping, Camden is examining the introduction ‘time bands’ on additional high streets. These are designated windows of time within which all businesses and residents are legally required to place any waste and recycling out for collection. “This should induce collectors to pick up promptly.”

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