MAGISTRATES fined a man £2,000 after he admitted keeping controlled waste and disposing of it on land in Clayton-le-Dale.

Leonard Sunter, of Cabin End Row Blackburn, was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs to the Environment Agency.

Matt Lockett, prosecuting for the Agency, told Accrington magistrates that on April 17, 2002, four enforcement officers visited a lay-by on the A59, near Ribchester Road, Blackburn.

At the site, known as Brook Farm, the officers saw a man light a bonfire. Immediately dark smoke appeared and within minutes flames were visible. Environment Agency Enforcement Assistant Martin Davies approached the man, who identified himself as Sunter.

Officers saw evidence of a previous burning. Brick, concrete, metal and charred timber was burnt and the latest fire consisted of timber and loft or wall insulation.

Magistrates heard Sunter told the officers he had allowed waste wood to be brought on to his land, where he burned what he could not use. He added that the wood had been kept on the premises for about two years, and he was still in the process of sorting it. He also admitted burning waste that had been fly-tipped on his land.

At the time there was no Waste Management Licence or exemption in force at Brook Farm.

Mr Lockett said Sunter had potentially caused harm to the environment, as well as making a financial saving. Burning controlled waste could cause polluting fumes, potentially harming human health.