Douglas Borough Council has sent out an unequivocal message that littering in the borough will not be tolerated after it brought a successful prosecution against Frank John Thompson for leaving litter on land owned by the Isle of Man Steam Railway.

The defendant, whose last known address was that of his mother at 4 Lheannag Park, Douglas, failed on two occasions to answer a summons to appear in court. In his absence witnesses Max Collister, properties manager for the Department of Infrastructure and Alan Jones, senior borough warden, gave evidence under oath before the deputy High Bailiff, who accepted their evidence that the defendant was responsible for dumping a cigarette vending cabinet on Steam Railway land.

Mr Thompson was fined ?200 and ordered to pay Douglas Borough Council ?135.60 compensation for the removal and disposal of the cabinet and a contribution to costs of ?87.50. Failure to pay the total amount of ?435.10 by November 9th 2012 will result in 28 days’ imprisonment.

Environmental services advisory committee chairman Councillor Ritchie McNicholl JP said: ‘The Council takes littering extremely seriously. It is a deeply antisocial practice that blights our town and the image the capital presents to residents, businesses and visitors. At a time when we and our partners in government have committed substantial funds to a town centre regeneration scheme to raise environmental standards and improve the overall appearance of the capital the Council will be relentless in its pursuit of those irresponsible individuals who leave litter or allow their dogs to foul the streets of Douglas. I congratulate Mr Collister and Mr Jones on their vigilance and would urge members of the public to alert our borough warden team should they witness acts of littering. It is only through a concerted community response that together we can combat this repellent community problem.’

To report any acts of antisocial behaviour contact the borough warden team on 696326.