THE former director of a scrapyard been convicted of five offences relating to the running of her site

Mary Louise Smith, the former director of T H Smith & Sons Ltd, off Meadow Lane in Great Harwood, was convicted following a four-day trial at Burnley Magistrates Court.

The court heard how over a 15-month period, TH Smith & Sons Ltd repeatedly accepted Waste

Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE), when they were only permitted to handle scrap vehicles.

Environment Agency officers explained why WEEE was strictly regulated, due to the risks of environmental harm through its illegal disposal.

Smith was found to have been running the company throughout, and was responsible for other offences, including continuing to operate the business despite the Environment Agency having revoked the company’s permit.

While giving evidence, Smith blamed her deteriorating health for many of the problems, and said she’d left the running of her business to others, whilst also denying having received any of the formal letters and notices issued by the Environment Agency.

However, the court found that Mrs Smith, as the sole director for the company, who lived relatively close to the site was ultimately responsible for the offences committed by the company.

The court found that Mrs Smith displayed a good knowledge of operation of not only of her own business but of the wider industry.

The matter has been adjourned until October 2 for sentence.

Environment Manager for Lancashire Steve Molyneux said: “Waste crime is a serious offence which can damage the environment, undermine those who operate legally and blight local communities.

“We take this type of crime seriously and are aware that activity is still taking place that is impacting the local community. We remain committed to working with our multi-agency partners to hold those responsible to account and pursue a solution so that residents of Great Harwood and the surrounding area are able to enjoy the local environment.

"Like the police, the Environment Agency relies on members of the public and legitimate businesses to help us identify the culprits.

"Anyone with information about suspected illegal waste operators should call the Environment Agency’s incident helpline on 0800 80 70 60 or call Crime Stoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111."