A MAN has pleaded guilty to operating as an unlicensed mobile scrap metal collector in Pendle.

Luke Firth was fined £230, ordered to pay £100 costs and a £30 victim surcharge at a hearing at Burnley Magistrates Court on March 3.

Firth, of Old Park Road, Bradford was charged after he was spotted collecting scrap metal on a Nelson back street in December.

Complaints had been made to the police and local authorities about the number of scrap metal collectors operating in the Nelson, Colne and Brierfield areas.

Pendle Council, who launched the prosecution said that they would continue to enforce the law and those who did not comply would be taken to court.

Mick Armfield, Pendle Council’s licensing enforcement officer, said: “All mobile scrap metal collectors must be licensed with the local authority in the area where they’re collecting to comply with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

“Mr Firth was not licensed by Pendle Council and therefore broke the law by collecting from properties in the borough.”

Cllr David Clegg, who oversees the borough’s environmental services, said: “This fine and associated costs send out a clear message that it’s not worth operating your scrap metal business unless you have the correct licence to do so.

“There’s no excuse for not having a licence.

“The cost of a mobile collector’s licence is £110 for three years which equates to approximately 70p per week.”

Residents are also being urged not to leave scrap metal items on back streets, in alleyways or on the roadside as it could encourage unscrupulous an unlicensed scrap metal dealers.

Items such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, cookers and metal radiators can be collected by Pendle Council through for free using its bulky waste collection service.

Both Burnley and Rossendale also operate a scrap metal dealer licence system.

To request a visit from Pendle Council's Bulky Waste Service residents can visit www.pendle.gov.uk/recyclingandrefuse or phone a request by calling 01282 661743.