A MAN from Chineham has been fined after he admitted fly-tipping household waste at a recycling centre.

Thomas Skipp dumped the items, which included a radiator, a vacuum cleaner and two folding garden chairs, at the recycling centre on Great Binfields Road in Lychpit.

He was spotted dumping the waste, which was left right next to recycling bins, by a member of the public on June 3, 2020, and was ordered to pay over £700 after admitting the charge at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court last week.

Leaving waste next to a bin is considered fly-tipping and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have pledged to crack down on it, saying they have a "zero tolerance approach".

The authority has secured convictions of 31 individuals and companies since May 2018.

Cabinet Member for Recycling, Waste and Regulatory Services Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “We will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to anybody who fly-tips at recycling sites. The offence carries a maximum five years’ imprisonment at Crown Court. As a result of his actions, Mr Skipp has now got a criminal record.

“This prosecution should act as a clear reminder to everybody that the borough’s recycling sites are for recycling only.

"Any waste that is dumped on the ground at these sites is considered to be fly-tipping and a prosecution will follow wherever possible.”

Skipp, of Clere Gardens, pleaded guilty to fly-tipping at court on June 22.

The 55-year-old was fined £400, ordered to pay £328 in clean-up costs and compensation, and a £40 victim surcharge.

Fly-tipping can be reported to the council by calling 01256 844844 or by visiting www.basingstoke.gov.uk/flytipping