A local trader from Rutland has been handed a £200 fine after illegally disposing of garden waste on a roadside verge near Whissendine.

The trader, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was issued with a fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping by Rutland County Council after the incident was reported by a resident, who provided photographic evidence and a witness statement.

Rob Harbour, Deputy Director for Places at Rutland County Council, said: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank local residents who report incidents of fly-tipping and encourage them to continue doing so.

"In this instance, the photos and detailed witness statement we received were crucial and meant that we could take the case forward.

"We are committed to pursuing fly-tippers. This latest case sends a strong message to fly-tippers and is a positive result for residents and the council."

You can report incidents of fly-tipping by contacting Rutland County Council's Environmental Services Team or through the dedicated Fix My Street website and app www.fixmystreet.com which can be visited by clicking the red button below.

For safety reasons, it is important not to touch, handle or dispose of illegal waste yourself and leave it to the council to deal with.