Firms convicted over illegal Staffordshire landfill

The Environment Agency said there was no permit to run the "large-scale" operation

Two companies and their directors have been convicted in connection with an illegal landfill.

Environment Agency investigators discovered material being dumped at Bonnie Braes Farm in Staffordshire without a permit.

The organisation said it involved a "large-scale" operation between March 2014 and June 2015.

Jumbo Waste & Metals Ltd and directors Raymond Bowden and James Bowden were found guilty of operating the site.

TW Frizell (Haulage and Plant Hire) Ltd and its director Joseph Frizell were convicted of illegally depositing waste on the land when no environmental permit was in place.

The convictions followed an eight-week trial at Shrewsbury Crown court.

A third firm, its director and another individual had already admitted their involvement four years ago.

Sentencing is expected to take place in March 2024.

"Illegal waste sites like this undermine legitimate businesses, undercut their prices, and blight the environment," the Environment Agency said.

"We would urge everyone to check that a waste site is licensed before using them by checking the public register online."