SOUTH coast law firm Lester Aldridge is to develop its environmental law practice, under the direction of partner Phillip Young.

Since joining the firm in 2000, he has been dealing with commercial property as well as environmental law but he will now only handle environmental cases.

That will mean working closely with LA's planning team on land-based elements of environmental law such as contaminated land.

He will also continue to provide the environmental advice needed, in conjunction with property and company/business acquisitions and disposals, to clients such as Biffa Waste Services.

Mr Young is a member of the steering committee of the South Wessex Waste Minimisation group, set up in 1996 to develop and promote the use of best practical techniques for profitable and economic minimisation of all waste arising from south Wessex businesses in order to secure environmental and financial benefits.

He has spoken on "Waste Law" to the Institute of Waste Management and on environmental law for businesses for both Business Link Wessex and the waste minimisation group.