A FLY-TIPPER who advertised himself as a ‘man with a van’ on Facebook has been fined for dumping waste outside an electricity substation in Risley.

Gary Heap pleaded guilty to the offence at Warrington Magistrates’ Court where he was handed a hefty fine.

The 31-year-old responded to a request on Facebook and attended an address in Bolton to collect waste – which was later dumped close to the former Noggin Inn Pub on Warrington Road.

In court, Heap, of Severn Street, Leigh, explained how he was very sorry for what he had done and said he wouldn't again.

It is believed he ‘tried and failed’ to set up a business and ‘realised his actions were not acceptable’.

Before sentencing, the magistrates said how fly-tipping is a serious offence that is a ‘blight on our community’.

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Heap was fined £500. He must also pay £1,000 in court costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

Cllr Hitesh Patel, cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “This is another example of an unlicensed waste carrier taking advantage of an unsuspecting resident by taking their money to remove waste then illegally dumping it, and expecting somebody else to clear it up.

“Residents should always check that waste collectors are licensed and ask where their waste will be disposed of. Rogue traders often advertise on social media alongside legitimate businesses, so you should check credentials carefully.

"They may be cheaper but there’s likely to be a reason for this as they will not be disposing of your waste lawfully.

“You are ultimately responsible for ensuring your waste is disposed of correctly.”

Residents can provide information in relation to fly-tipping incidents via the council’s website at warrington.gov.uk/flytipping.

For more information about licences and permits for disposing of waste, visit warrington.gov.uk/licencesandpermits.