A builder who fly-tipped building material and cardboard beside the A48 has to pay £816 in fines and costs.

Jamie Hall Button, 30, of The Dairy, Cross Inn, Pontyclun, Cardiff, pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates Court to fly-tipping the waste on the junction of Sedbury Lane and the A48.

The court heard how Forest of Dean District Council officers were able to trace Button through an address found on the waste which was for the property where he had been working.

Magistrates fined Button £250, ordered him to pay £541.83 costs and a victim surcharge of £25.

Councillor Marrilyn Smart, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Forest of Dean District Council said: "This fly-tipping took place beside the main A48 and was highly visible. Fly-tipping is a matter the district council takes very seriously. Not only is it illegal and anti-social but it clearly impacts on the local environment in which we live and work, can be harmful to wildlife and is potentially damaging to tourism in the area. The clear up costs run into thousands of pounds each year and ultimately wastes resources which could be put to good use elsewhere.

"The council is committed to reducing fly-tipping in the district and we would urge anyone who witnesses fly-tipping to report the vehicle registration number and any other details to the council by calling 01594 810000. By working together with members of the public we hope to be able to eliminate illegal fly-tipping."