A BREAM woman has been fined £50 for fly-tipping less than three miles away from a tip.

Ewelina Kotze, of Princess Royal Road, pleaded guilty at Cheltenham magistrates' court to dumping several bags of household rubbish in a lay-by opposite Yew Tree Brake Crematorium, on June 9 this year.

Ms Kotze was ordered to pay a £50 fine and £100 costs.

Cllr Marrilyn Smart, the Forest Council's Cabinet member for the Environment said: "We are naturally disappointed by the level of the fine handed down but believe this case sends a clear message to others who may be thinking of behaving in a similar manner. The actions of this individual were unnecessary and totally avoidable.

"The council is committed to reducing fly-tipping in the district and will continue to investigate incidents reported to us and pass these on to enforcement officers to take action where it is appropriate to do so. We would urge anyone who witnesses fly-tipping to report it. By working together with members of the public we hope to be able to tackle the illegal practice of fly-tipping within the Forest of Dean.

"Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping should call 01594 810000 or email [email protected]">[email protected], including details of the incident. Alternately members of the public can contact the Environment Agency incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60."

During 2013/14, a total of 833 incidents of fly-tipping were reported and cleared by the district council, costing in the region of £28,000 of local tax payers' money, not including the additional costs relating to the disposal of the waste, staff time and enforcement procedures.