Two Faversham builders have been fined more than £3,000 for failing to ensure their waste was not dumped illegally.

Sam Feaver, of Feaverbuild in Edith Road, was prosecuted by Swale Borough Council after waste from a job he was working on was fly-tipped in two separated incidents in Tonge in September 2013.

Mr Feaver was carrying out a renovation at a property at Provender Walk and subcontracted some work to Matt Robinson, of Mountfield.

Both men were convicted of failing to secure that the transfer of the controlled waste was to an authorised person.

Mr Robinson had paid someone to remove a number of items - including cardboard boxes, plastic wrapping, broken down kitchen cupboards, a cooker hood and green waste - from the site, but the material was dumped illegally.

“This sends a clear message that anyone who produces waste has a responsibility to make sure that it is disposed of responsibly." Cllr David Simmons

Council officers examined the waste to find that most of it had come from the renovation and was linked to Mr Robinson.

Both men pleaded not guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates Court on Wednesday, November 4.

They were found guilty and fined £1,125 each and costs of £1,815, with an additional £15 victim surcharge.

Cllr David Simmons said: “We are delighted with these results.

"Flytipping is an eyesore and something which really affects the quality of life of our residents, who are clear that they want us to take the matter very seriously.

“This sends a clear message that anyone who produces waste has a responsibility to make sure that it is disposed of responsibly.

“Residents can help us tackle the problem by being clear on who is taking their waste away. If your waste ends up dumped in a country lane and you have the details of who took it away, we can then trace the fly tippers.

“People should be especially wary of anyone offering to take any items away for a small fee. Always ask to see their waste carriers licence, and make a note of the details. It is also wise to ask for a receipt.”