WASTE firms in East Lancashire have been warned after a Clayton-le-Moors firm was left with an £11,000 legal bill.

Environment Agency (EA) bosses prosecuted A1 Skip Hires, of Holme Road, for a number of operating breaches.

The company also pleaded guilty to twice breaching the Environmental Protection Act during an appearance at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrates fined the firm £4,700 and ordered them to pay £6,524 in costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

Speaking later, an EA spokesman said: “We carry out regular inspections of all permitted facilities to ensure businesses are complying with their environmental permits.

“As with all regulated sites, if there are any permit breaches or environmental impacts, we will carry out investigations and take enforcement action when necessary.”

Anyone with waste management concerns is being asked to call a hotline on 0800 807060.