A man has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 after sofas, carpets and doors were burned at a car dealership.

Grays of Chatham Ltd was twice reported to Medway Council after it was found to be burning foam-based sofas, carpets and doors.

Environmental enforcement officers visited the High Street car dealership in May 2017 and again in August 2019 when they spoke to Herbert Gray, its managing director.

Gray, 71, admitted allowing controlled waste to escape his control by burning it without an environmental permit at Medway Magistrates’ Court.

Gray was fined £750 and ordered to pay costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £75, totalling £1,075.

Cllr Jane Chitty (Con), portfolio holder covering enforcement, said: “We all have a responsibility to dispose of waste appropriately.

"In this case I am particularly disappointed as we had already spoken to the business and given them advice on how to properly dispose of their waste.

"This company completely disregarded the welfare of local residents and burned items which caused plumes of black smoke.

"I would encourage residents who are concerned about dark smoke coming from an industrial or trade premises to raise their concerns with the business directly, or to report them to us.”

The illegal disposal of waste does not just include fly-tipping, it also includes burning and burying waste without the correct permit.

To report environmental issues, such as bonfires and smoke, visit www.medway.gov.uk/environment