AN UNLICENSED scrap metal dealer from Salisbury has been ordered to pay £3,390 in fines and costs.

Shelley Marie Witt, 46, of Westwood Road, admitted dealing scrap metal unlawfully at Salisbury magistrate’s court on Monday, February 4 after she was caught by Wiltshire Council.

It is the council’s seventh successful prosecution as it continues to clamp down on this illegal activity.

Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for highways, transport and waste said: “All scrap metal dealers must be licensed to operate lawfully and rigorous checks are conducted prior to a license being issued to ensure they are fit and proper to hold a license. Ignorance of the need for a scrap metal license is no defence in court, as proven in this and many other cases.”

Wiltshire Council urges any residents who wish to use a scrap metal collector to ensure they are licensed correctly with the local authority.

It says a licensed collector will always have their photo license displayed in their vehicle, which is a requirement by law.

And all scrap metal dealers should hold an upper tier waste carriers license issued by the Environment Agency.

Residents can report anyone who they believe is an unlicensed scrap metal collector at wiltshire.gov.uk