A waste worker has been fined for dumping rubbish at a Staffordshire beauty spot after finding a tip closed. Joshua Bridge, 19, dumped several black bags full of paperwork, food wrappers and general office waste in Cannock Forest.

Stafford magistrates heard his bosses at Hednesford-based Crystal Cut Environmental Ltd asked him to take the rubbish to the council tip but he found it was closed. The court heard he was seen by forestry workers taking the bags from a works van and dumping them at Rifle Range Corner on Cannock Chase.

The Chase is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Bridge, of Avon Road, Cannock, was traced through his company, which deals with the disposal of hazardous materials including asbestos.

Bosses helped council investigators throughout the inquiry and provided a statement as part of the prosecution for the incident which took place on May 16.

Mr Bridge pleaded guilty to the event at Stafford Magistrates saying it was an act of immaturity and stupidity.

He was fined £100, reduced from £150 due to an early guilty plea, and told to pay costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £15.

Councillor Janos Toth, deputy leader of the council and environment portfolio leader, said: “Flytipping is a reckless and thoughtless act which damages our environment and ruins other people’s enjoyment of our surroundings.”

Andy Coggins, recreation manager for the Forestry Commission at Birches Valley, said: “I hope that this conviction will send a message to anyone else thinking of dumping litter that it simply isn’t worth it. Cannock Chase is one of the most beautiful areas in England and we want to keep it that way for all people who visit to enjoy.”

Councillor Toth also appealed for people in the district to report flytipping to the Council. A £100 reward is available for information that leads to a successful prosecution.

Residents who see someone tipping rubbish are asked to make a note of the time and date, location, description of waste tipped, vehicle registration number and, if possible, a description of the flytippers themselves.

These details can then be passed on to Cannock Chase Council as soon as possible on 01543 462621 or via the council website.

By Claire Fry