A HAY-ON-WYE resident who dumped black bags full of household rubbish next to a bin in a car park has been fined by the council.

The misuse of the public litter bin in the car park in Oxford Road cost the resident £200 as the rubbish was traced back to the resident, Powys County Council said.

A £400 fixed penalty notice was handed out for the incident, but as it was paid within 10 days the fine was reduced to £200.

Councillor Heulwen Hulme, cabinet member for recycling and waste, said: "We are working hard to clamp down on this anti-social and criminal behaviour which not only blights our communities, but also poses a public health and environmental hazard.

"By ensuring we identify fly tipping culprits, and using our enforcement powers to issue appropriate fines, we will reinforce the message that these crimes are not acceptable."

Under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is a criminal offence to dump your rubbish in the wrong place, such as in these incidences of fly tipping.

Not only could fly tippers end up with a hefty fine, but prosecution could also result in a criminal record.