by Hayley Robinson

A fly-tipper was traced after a delivery note was found among rubbish dumped in Bobbing.

Scott David McShane, of Moonstone Square, Sittingbourne, pleaded guilty to failing to make sure waste - consisting of mainly scrap wood and cardboard boxes - was transferred to an authorised person and disposed of properly when he appeared before Sittingbourne Magistrates.

The court heard how Swale council received a report of fly-tipping in Cold Harbour Lane on November 15.

Among the items was a delivery note addressed to MACS Security, of High Street, Sittingbourne, owned by McShane.

Under caution he admitted to being approached by two men who offered to scrap his metal which he agreed to if they took the wood as well. He paid them £20 to do so but the rubbish was then illegally dumped.

Magistrates stressed that fly-tipping is a serious offence, is unhealthy and unsightly and that the clear up costs are expensive.

McShane was fined £300 and ordered to pay £100 in costs plus a further £75 in clear-up costs.

Swale council's enforcement officer Michael Moss said "We were very grateful that this was reported to the council as it has led us to a successful conviction.

"It does not matter whether you are a private individual or a business, it is your responsibility to make sure that your waste is disposed of properly.

"You can either take your waste to the tip, or use a registered waste carrier to do it.

"Trade waste must also be disposed of appropriately via an authorised person, to a site which is properly permitted to receive these types of materials.

"Swale council is working with the Environment Agency to tackle fly-tipping like this, and offenders can receive fines up to £50,000, and or imprisonment."