Scrap metal fine issued

A MAN has been fined for illegal scrap metal dealing in Widnes.

Ian Parker, 33, of Latchford, Warrington was seen driving a vehicle with a large quantity of scrap metal in April this year.

Warrington Borough Council report that Parker denied that he was collecting scrap metal and said that he had simply borrowed the vehicle.

However, a number of invoices showing he had been weighing in metal at a site in Widnes over the course of that month, were found after a search of the vehicle.

To operate as a scrap metal dealer, a licence needs to be applied for through the council.

Parker was due to appear at Warrington Combined Court on October 24 on a charge of operating as a scrap metal dealer without a licence.

He failed to attend and was found guilty in his absence.

He was fined £660 for the offence and ordered to pay a contribution to costs of £1,202.50 and a victim surcharge of £66.

Cllr Judith Guthrie said: “There are strict laws and regulations around the collection and disposal of scrap metal. This man’s actions undermine legitimate scrap metal collectors operating within Warrington. Collecting scrap metal without a licence is unacceptable and as I hope this case shows that the council will not tolerate this kind of blatant disregard for the law.”