Gary Heap, 31, of Severn Street, Leigh, pleaded guilty at Warrington Magistrates Court on Wednesday 28 September 2022.

Mr Heap responded to a request on Facebook and attended an address in Bolton to collect waste which was later dumped close to the now closed pub.

In court he stated that “he was very sorry for what he had done and would not do it again”. He had tried and failed to set up a business and realised that his actions were not acceptable.

The magistrates stated that fly-tipping was a serious offence which is a blight on our community and fined Mr Heap £500, plus £1,000 in costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

Cllr Hitesh Patel, cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “This is another example of an unlicensed waste carrier taking advantage of an unsuspecting resident by taking their money to remove waste then illegally dumping it, and expecting somebody else to clear it up.

“Residents should always check that waste collectors are licensed and ask where their waste will be disposed of. Rogue traders often advertise on social media alongside legitimate businesses, so you should check credentials carefully. They may be cheaper but there’s likely to be a reason for this as they will not be disposing of your waste lawfully.

“You are ultimately responsible for ensuring your waste is disposed of correctly.”

Residents can provide information in relation to fly-tipping incidents via the council’s website at warrington.gov.uk/flytipping.

For more information about licences and permits for disposing of waste, visit warrington.gov.uk/licencesandpermits.