The former owner of a block paving company has been fined more than £1,000 after flytipping waste.

Mark Taylor, 50, of Chancellor Road, Southend, appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 19 September and was fined £530 on the behalf of his company, Smarter Homes, and £530 personally, a total of £1,060.

The offence, which contravened the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990, took place in June last year in Old Church Road, Bowers Gifford, when Mr Taylor dumped builders bags, block paving materials and rubble.

Mr Taylor’s fine will be recovered from his benefits, with Smarter Homes having 28 days to pay.

Alan Ball, Basildon Council’s chairman of the regeneration and environment committee, said: “This case is a success for the council and highlights that we will prosecute wherever possible when evidence exists that an individual or company has failed to apply their duty of care.

"Whether a business or a householder, everyone has a duty to make sure that all their waste goes to a legal, licensed waste carrier.

“This includes bulky items and household waste as well as works carried out at home by contractors.”

Householders can ensure their bulky waste is collected and disposed of properly by booking a special collection.

Visit this site for more information.

Alternatively check whether a contractor is licensed by the Environment Agency, on the EA’s website