COUNCIL bosses have welcomed the guilty plea and sentencing of a waste offender who ‘rode roughshod’ over legislation put in place to protect the environment.

David Holt, from Blackburn, was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to three offences relating to the operation of the former V10 Polymers Ltd waste plastics recycling business at Rockcliffe Works, Blackburn.

Mr Holt was told he will have to pay £10,000 of the £18,000 costs incurred by the Environment Agency in bringing the case against him.

Environment Agency officer Karl Hunter said: “In this case, David Holt deliberately stored an excessive quantity of combustible waste for a number of years without taking the necessary fire prevention measures.

“He failed to implement a fire prevention plan and repeatedly failed to act on notices served by the Environment Agency to do so.

“Even when the Environment Agency revoked the company’s permit, he continued to ride roughshod over our legislative requirements and accept waste into the site, illegally.”

Harry Catherall, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s chief executive, said: “We welcome the guilty plea and subsequent sentencing.

“This has been an extremely difficult and uncertain time for the local community and indeed has been a huge drain on public resources.

“We are hopeful that this sentence will prevent any further incidents and will act as a warning to others operating illegally that action will be taken.

“The Council looks forward to receiving plans for the site’s redevelopment in the near future.”