HYNDBURN magistrates imposed a £200 fine on a woman after she employed “a man and a van" to remove rubbish from her home.

The refuse was later found dumped illegally.

Rosaleen Maughan, 21, of Barnes Street, Church, pleaded guilty to contravening the Environmental Protection Act 1990. She was also ordered to pay £50 legal costs and £70 clean-up costs.

Councillor Peter Clarke, Hyndburn Council Cabinet member for environmental issues, welcomed the decision.

He said: "This prosecution should act as a warning to others. The law imposes a duty of care on the occupiers of domestic properties to take all measures possible to ensure waste is transferred to the correct place.

“In this case the householder employed a man to take waste to a dump but it actually ended up in fly tips."

He added: "People should beware of handling rubbish over to someone who calls at their door offering to take it away, as it could result in a court appearance, a hefty fine and a criminal record."

The council operates a free bulky waste removal service, which people can arrange by calling 399988.