FLY-TIPPING offences have cost a Radcliffe cafe owner more than £2,000 in fines and costs.

James Hughes, aged 54, of Cafe Fresh, Church Street West, pleaded guilty to two ‘duty of care’ offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

On October 28 last year, approximately 20 black bin liners containing rotting food waste and packaging were dumped at the rear of Stand Lane in Radcliffe.

Evidence relating to Cafe Fresh was found in the rubbish.

A week later, on November 3 last year, environmental health officers at Bury Council found evidence relating to Hughes’s business in a fly tip at the rear of Milltown Street and Bank Street.

Again, the waste that was tipped presented a risk to public health.

Manchester Magistrates Court fined Hughes £1,119, and ordered him to pay council costs of £1,260 and a victim surcharge of £76 on July 4.

Councillor Judith Kelly, cabinet member for corporate affairs and regulatory services, said: “Fly-tipping is a disgrace and we will take action against perpetrators where we have evidence.

“Residents and businesses should always check that whoever they get to clear waste is licensed, and get a receipt.

“We urge anyone who witnesses fly-tipping to give us as much information as possible via our website www.bury.gov.uk.”