Birmingham Firm Slapped with £18,000 Fine for Rubbish Mess in Staffordshire
B46 Properties Limited, a company from Birmingham, has landed in hot water after failing to clear a whopping 4,000 tonnes of waste from a site near Fradley, Staffordshire. The Environment Agency finally took action, prosecuting the firm at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on September 3, where they pleaded guilty to breaching an official order.
Illegal Dump of Bricks, Wood, and Green Waste
The pile-up at Brickyard Farm included bricks, trommel fines, wood, construction debris, and green waste. Despite multiple warnings from the Environment Agency, B46 Properties ignored orders to clear the hazardous heap. The mess posed a serious fire risk and threatened local communities and public health.
Hefty £18,465 Penalty Imposed
The court hit B46 Properties with a fine package totalling £18,465.56. This included an £806 fine, a £322 victim surcharge, and £17,337.56 in legal costs. Gary Hambleton, director of the company, admitted they were slowly clearing the waste “as funds became available” but refused to borrow money or use an overdraft to speed things up. The court rejected excuses and upheld the charges against B46 Properties, though personal charges against Hambleton were dropped.
Environment Agency Vows to Crack Down on Offenders
“We welcome this sentence, which should act as a deterrent to others considering flouting the law,” said Imogen Smith, lead officer for the Environment Agency in the West Midlands. “This site posed a significant environmental threat, and this conviction highlights the importance of adhering to waste management regulations.”
The Environment Agency urges the public to report environmental concerns at any time through their 24/7 hotline or via Crimestoppers. This case serves as a stark warning to businesses: handle your waste properly or face legal action.
