A LOCAL man who burned waste in Carlton has been ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling more than £3,500 - after it produced large plumes of black smoke.
Craig Bennett, 42, of George Street in South Hiendley, appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court where he was found guilty of burning controlled waste, and was prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Barnsley Council were made aware that Bennett had been burning waste at the Wood Lane site following complaints from residents.
When officers visited the site on May 31, they found that waste was being burned, resulting in large plumes of black smoke.
The court found this action to be reckless, and Bennett was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £800 and legal costs of £733 - totalling £3,533.
Anna Hartley, executive director for public health and communities, said: “Burning waste in this way is totally unacceptable.
“It can have a serious impact on local communities and cause untold damage to the environment.
“We will always seek to prosecute those who think that environmental protection laws do not apply to them.
“There are several safer and legal alternatives to dispose of waste.”
