A MAN has been fined £400 for dumping two armchairs at a former slaughterhouse in Devizes, just five minutes away from a recycling centre where they could have been taken for free.

The man, who was questioned about the offence under caution, had thrown out the armchairs at the abandoned slaughterhouse on the corner of Coate Road and Windsor Drive.

Two members of the public witnessed the man fly-tipping and wrote down the vehicle registration and helped Wiltshire Council in finding the culprit.

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A spokesman for the council said: “The man was formally questioned about the offence under caution and issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for fly-tipping by Wiltshire Council environmental enforcement officers.

“The man, who cannot be named as this was not a prosecution, apologised for his actions.”

Both witnesses are now entitled to claim a reward through the council’s We’re Targeting Fly-tippers campaign.

Were Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign poster

We're Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign poster

Cabinet member for waste, Dr Mark McClelland said: “This was an act of stupidity and complete disregard for the environment. Devizes Household Recycling Centre is located less than five minutes away from this fly-tip, where it could have been lawfully disposed of.

“The individual made no attempt to make a booking at the HRC and instead decided to dump the items at this location. We want to send a clear message to the inconsiderate minority that we will fine or prosecute if you are caught dumping rubbish illegally.”