A building firm has been fined £500 for fly-tipping after its managing director admitted giving waste to an unknown man in a van.

Ultimate Lofts and Extensions Limited, based in Old Harlow, was found to have failed in its duty of care when disposing of rubbish, which led to fly tipping in Weald Hall Lane, Thornwood Common, in May.

Company Director Andrew O’Connell admitted giving wood from furniture and cupboards to an unknown man with a white van.

The pieces of wood were traced back to a property in Mill Hill where the company was carrying out renovations.

Mr O’Connell was found not to have checked if the man had the correct waste carriers licence and also neglected to exchange the necessary waste transfer notes when handing over the rubbish.

He said he had wanted it to get rid of the waste quickly before going on holiday.

Will Breare-Hall, portfolio holder for the environment at Epping Forest District Council, said: “The Epping Forest district is a beautiful place to live, work and visit and we want to keep it that way.

“This prosecution shows that fly tipping is totally unacceptable.”