A WOLLASTON man has been fined nearly £2,000 for fly-tipping in Kinver.

Michael Parkes, aged 29, of Harmon Road, pleaded guilty to dumping a large quantity of household waste on Whittington Hall Lane.

Environmental crime officers from South Staffordshire Council discovered the rubbish in January this year, after being alerted by a member of the public.

Following an investigation, it was found that Parkes had been paid £390 to remove the rubbish, but instead of disposing of it properly, he dumped it on the side of the road.

When he appeared at Stafford Magistrates Court he was fined £800 and ordered to pay £300 clean-up costs, £300 investigation costs, a victim surcharge of £80 and £312 court costs.

Councillor Roger Lees, cabinet member for legal and public health protection, said: “Fly tipping is a very serious business. Not only does it look unsightly, it also costs to clear up which ultimately impacts on council tax payers.

"We do everything we can to ensure South Staffordshire's countryside is free from unpleasant rubbish. As a rural district, some think that they can fly tip here without being caught.

"This is not the case, we will not tolerate criminals destroying our beautiful area which is why we have taken the action we have in this case.

"We carry out regular operations to ensure people are disposing of large quantities of waste in the correct way, and will seek to prosecute these criminals and recover the costs of clearing up rubbish.”

South Staffordshire residents can report fly-tipping via Twitter by tweeting @south_staffs or by calling 01902 696000.