12,000 fines for Worcester men who buried tyres in field

The two men pleaded guilty to charges relating to the illegal dumping at Worcester Magistrates court on January 15. The charges were bought by the Environment Agency under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990.

Arthur Roger Thomas of Folly Road, Alfrick, pleaded guilty to two offences under the EPA 1990 of burying tyres at Stocks Lane, Malvern and also at Parson's Nose Poultry Farm, Suckley. He was fined 5000 for each of the two offences, with 4000 costs.

Co-defendant Roy William Ashe of Beechwood Park, Worcester pleaded guilty to three offences under the EPA 1990 of failing to take all reasonable measures to ensure the tyres were properly disposed of. He was fined 750 for each offence, with 1500 costs.

The case against a third defendant, Mr P D Ralph has been referred to Droitwich Magistrates Court on 16 February.

The case arose in October 1999 following a report from a member of the public that a large number of lorry tyres had been buried in a field at Stock's Lane, Malvern. Statements from witnesses and investigations by Agency Officers led back to the three defendants.

The field at Stock's Lane was dug up and 200 lorry tyres were discovered. These were then consigned for proper disposal. Further information led to a similar investigation at Parson's Nose Farm, but the buried tyres were not located.

Mr Ashe, a partner in DKR tyres, admitted to the Agency that the waste tyres had originated from his premises in Worcester and that he had not taken proper care to ensure that they were disposed of correctly.

After the case, Environment Protection Team Leader, Charles Tucker, said: 'This case and the level of the fines shows how seriously the Agency treats illegal waste disposal. It shows too, how important it is for companies to recognise their &#39D;uty of Care' when disposing of waste and ensure that it is being handled properly.

“Companies must ensure they always deal with registered waste carriers and licensed waste management facilities. Failure to do so may result not only in damage to the environment or to public health but also to their reputation and balance sheet as we shall not hesitate to prosecute.”