Llanelli man fined for throwing asbestos sheets in river

A Llanelli man has been ordered to pay over £350 after pleading guilty to throwing asbestos sheets into a river.
Witnesses reported seeing the passenger of a 4x4 throwing asbestos sheets into the River Morlais from a lay-by alongside the stone bridge near Blaenhiraeth Farm in Llangennech on November 7, 2013.
A note was taken of the registration number and enquiries revealed that Matthew Davies who lives at a property at Dwyfor, Llanelli, was the passenger of the vehicle.
Davies, aged 26, entered a guilty plea to an offence contrary to Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 – depositing asbestos into the River Morlais.
He was fined £250 and ordered to pay contribution towards prosecution costs of £100 and £20 victim surcharge at Carmarthen Magistrates Court.
Residents are being reminded that asbestos from their property can be taken to recycling centres in the county.
Executive board member for Environmental and Public Protection, Cllr Jim Jones added: “There is no excuse for this type of fly-tipping. All Household Waste Recycling Centres – Nantycaws, Trostre, Wernddu and Whitland (with exception to Llangadog), take asbestos as long as it is double bagged.”
Only three bags per household per annum are taken free of charge. A disclaimer may also need to be filled in.
Nantycaws accept sheets of asbestos for a fee, which is set by CWM.
For more information on recycling centres visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/recycling or call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.