A FLY-TIPPER has been ordered to pay more than £3,000 after dumping garden waste near a nature reserve. 

A large quantity of garden turf was found on the footpath close to Anton Lakes, on May 28, 2023, after Test Valley Borough Council received a report of a fly-tip in Burnham Close.

Michael Brett Graham, from Twickenham, had recently dug out the grassed area from a driveway at a property in Burnham Close and admitted to the offence when sent questions under caution.

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Andover Advertiser: The garden turf

The 52-year-old appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on March 6, and was given a fine of £1,923.

Graham was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £769 and costs of £500.

Cllr David Drew, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “This is a brilliant result. Any fly-tips in our beautiful borough are unacceptable and I hope this punishment serves as a deterrent to others.

"I would like to thank our hard-working officers who helped with this incident.”