A MAN has been fined more than £1,200 after admitting fly tipping rubbish in Westerleigh.

Sean Burnell, 29, of High Street in Staple Hill appeared before North Avon Magistrates’ Court in Yate on Friday, January 15. He pleaded guilty to dumping cardboard and packaging that was later discovered in a lay-by in Besom Lane and was fined £400 with costs of £800 and a £40 victim surcharge.

The court heard that a Yate resident had been in contact with Burnell who agreed to remove that rubbish for a fee of £40.

Burnell had claimed that he was driving along Besom Lane a few days after collecting the waste, when he saw that some litter, including a mattress, dumped in a lay-by on the side of the road. He admitted dumping the Yate resident’s waste there as well.

South Gloucestershire Council’s communities committee chairman, Cllr Heather Goddard, said: “This latest prosecution continues our zero tolerance policy regarding fly tipping and serves as another reminder that if you are involved in the illegal dumping of waste in South Gloucestershire, you will be prosecuted.

“Residents are advised to only give their rubbish to an Environment Agency registered waste carrier or they could be held liable if waste is subsequently fly tipped.”

The council urges residents to dispose of any unwanted goods and household or garden waste at its Sort It centres.

Residents who see illegal fly tipping are encouraged to report it by contacting the Street Care helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visiting southglos.gov.uk/flytipping