Businesses fined after fly-tipping in town centre

Businesses have been fined £300 for fly-tipping in a town centre.

Piles of rubbish were spotted in Fore Street in Trowbridge, which Wiltshire Council discovered were left by four businesses.

All of the owners admitted they had no waste contracts in place and failed to produce legal documents to the council.

Councillor Nick Holder, cabinet member for street scene, said: "Commercial waste collections are not included within business rates, so all businesses no matter how big or small, must also have a waste collection contract in place."

The fines have since been paid and the businesses have set up commercial waste contracts, a council spokesperson added.

The authority has now launched a Stop at Source campaign to educate businesses and residents about waste management in a bid to reduce fly-tipping.

Mr Holder continued: "Any waste that is produced from a commercial activity is classed as commercial waste and businesses have an obligation to ensure that it is disposed of safely, legally and responsibly - this includes having the correct documentation."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.