A CWMBRAN man has been ordered to pay almost £1000 for fly tipping at a beauty spot near Pontypool.

Matthew Williams, 31, of Ventnor Road pleaded guilty to unlawfully depositing controlled waste on common land at The British mountain, near Pontypool, in May 2014.

He was witnessed dumping a van load of household waste and building materials by a local dog walker who was able to provide the police with a partial description and vehicle registration number.

Mr Williams was prosecuted after a lengthy investigation and fined £320. He was also ordered to pay costs of £619.60 and a victim surcharge of £32, at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court last Friday (24 July).

Torfaen council's executive member for planning and public protection, cllr Gwyneria Clark, said: “Fly tipping is a serious environmental crime and a blight on the landscape. The British has seen an increase in fly tipping over the last 12 months and we are working with our colleagues in Blaenau Gwent and local land owners to tackle the problem.

“Fortunately in this case a member of the public witnessed the incident and was prepared to take a stand. That person must be praised and I hope that their action inspires others who may have witnessed fly tipping themselves to come forward.

“We are very pleased with this result and it sends a clear message to any would-be fly tippers out there that if we catch you, you will be prosecuted.”

Fly tipping can be reported to the council confidentially via www.torfaen.gov.uk, through the Torfaen app, or by calling 01495 762200.

Further information on the work that local councils and other agencies in Wales are undertaking to combat fly tipping can be found by visiting the Fly Tipping Action Wales website www.flytippingactionwales.org