A RESIDENT who dumped more than 30 bags of rubbish at a recycling centre, blocking access, has been fined £120 and ordered to pay £820 costs.

Sadie Jeffs, 29, of Hailsham Road, Heathfield, admitted failing to ensure domestic waste produced at her property was disposed of in the correct manner.

Earlier this year, a large amount of general household waste, both in rubbish bags and cardboard boxes from Ms Jeff’s property, was left at the neighbourhood recycling point in Station Road, Heathfield, severely disrupting access to the site for other users.

Wealden District Council said it had made several attempts to discuss the incident with Ms Jeffs to allow her to give her version of the events but she did not attend any appointments and a hearing was eventually held at Hastings Magistrates Court on November 25.

Council cabinet member with responsibility for waste management, Roy Galley said: " Wealden’s neighbourhood recycling points are for recyclable materials from domestic properties only.

"Dumping 30 bin bags full of rubbish at the site, blocking access to recycling containers which are used by hundreds of our residents each week, cannot be tolerated.

"Household and trade waste left at the sites is considered an abuse of the site and is investigated thoroughly.”