AN Amman Valley woman has been ordered to pay more than £600 by magistrates after rubbish was found dumped on the picturesque Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Pamela Ann Jones, aged 52, of Cowell Road in Garnant, pleaded guilty to an offence contrary to Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Carmarthen Magistrates Court.
The court heard that Jones had paid two unknown males to clear waste from her brother’s property, which was then found dumped on the Black Mountain.
She was interviewed by council environmental enforcement officers and conceded that she did not carry out any checks on the two unknown males to establish if they were licensed waste carriers, as required by law.
Jones was fined £100 by magistrates and ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “We all have a responsibility to make sure that waste from our homes is disposed of properly. If you are giving your waste to a tradesperson, always ask where they are taking your waste and ask to see their waste carriers licence.
“The Black Mountain gives spectacular views over the Amman Valley and is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas in Carmarthenshire. I am disappointed that someone could dump rubbish up there.”
Area Warden at the Brecon Beacons National Park Toby Small said: “It is disheartening to see a steady increase in the number of fly-tipping incidents throughout the park. The amount of rubbish and types of hazardous and putrid waste that I find is often shocking. Visitors and residents alike come here to experience the beautiful countryside; and fly-tipping ruins this experience, potentially threatening local businesses and jobs.
“It often creates serious hazards not only for the families that come across it but also for wildlife and livestock grazing in these areas. Dumped rubbish pollutes and ruins habitats, and can kill animals that ingest or get caught up in it. I appeal to the few people who do this to consider the wider impact their actions have.”
For more information and advice on how to dispose of your waste please visit the council website.
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