A WOMAN from Cwmbran admitted fly-tipping at an industrial estate in Pontypool and has been told to pay over £200 in penalties.

Alison Smith, 40, of North Road, Croesyceiliog, dumped a sofa at the South Pontypool Industrial Estate in December 2014 along with John Craig, 71, of Cwmifor, Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire.

They both received a fine for £120 and was ordered to pay costs of £75 and a victim surcharge of £20 at Cwmbran Magistrates Court on Monday, November 16.

The pair originally were refused entry to the New Inn recycling centre after they were abusive to staff over a lack of a permit to enter with a trailer.

The sofa was dumped at the Pontypool industrial estate, blocking a business entrance and the pair were prosecuted under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Torfaen council has issued a number of warnings on the penalties for fly-tipping in the borough in an attempt to crackdown on the illegal practice.

Councillor Gwyneira Clark, executive member for housing and public protection, said: “Fly tipping in the vicinity of our household waste recycling centre is something we keep a close eye on. 

“As well as ruining the appearance of the area it causes considerable inconvenience to the local businesses based nearby.

“The bottom line is that there are no excuses for illegal fly tipping. We will investigate every incident reported to us and as this pair found out, we will prosecute wherever possible,” she added.

Permits for trailers cost £10 and can be purchased at torfaen.gov.uk/en/Forms/Request/Van-or-Trailer-Permit.aspx.

Further information on fly tipping can be found at flytippingactionwales.org.