A MAN who dumped furniture, wood and plastic waste at the entrance to a National Grid site has been slapped with a hefty fine.

Anthony Lange, of Butlers Close, Lockerley, pleaded guilty to fly-tipping and failing to attend an interview with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).

In July last year, he dumped rubbish at the entrance to the National Grid site in Lockerley.

Workers found the haul of trash when they left at the end of their shift.

An investigation was launched and TVBC officers sent a letter to Lange’s address to attend an interview, which he didn't turn up for.

He appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to be sentenced after admitting the offences.

In his defence, Lange said he had "tried to go to the tip", but the queue was "very long", and so stopped and dumped it, instead.

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He was ordered to pay £900 in costs, a £95 victim surcharge and 120 hours’ unpaid work.

Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “This was a fly-tip that disrupted workers at the National Grid while massively inconveniencing residents, too.

“The waste consisted of a number of wooden chairs, other wood, rusted metal and rubble – it’s just staggering how people think they can get away with it.

"In July last year the booking system for the tip was in existence, which had eliminated queues. "In any event, having the queue too long for the waste and recycling centres is no excuse whatsoever.

"I’m pleased the person responsible will now have to foot the cost.”

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