TWO residents have been convicted by Redditch magistrates of fly-tipping on town streets.

Stuart Ingram, of Mainstone Close, Winyates East, was fined £150 and ordered to pay £150 costs after pleading guilty to dumping a large amount of hedge cuttings in his road.

Court officials heard in September 2005 he cut down a hedge in front of his flat, leaving the cuttings on a grass verge.

He was issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice from a council enforcement officer but failed to pay within 14 days, resulting in the court appearance.

Meanwhile, Lloyd Hall, of Eathorpe Close, Matchborough West, was also fined £150 and ordered to pay £150 costs after pleading guilty to cutting down conifer trees in his garden and dumping them on Matchborough Way bus route.

The court heard the offence was committed in July 2005. Mr Hall was interviewed by a council enforcement officer and issued with a fixed penalty notice.

He also failed to pay the penalty within two weeks and was called before the court.

A council spokesman said: "Fly-tipping in Redditch costs taxpayers money. All offences of unauthorised dumping are serious and councils are committed to investigating and prosecuting when appropriate.

"Although we're able to identify some cases of fly-tipping, we appreciate information from the public which helps us detect offences at an earlier stage."

Anyone with information on fly-tippers can speak confidentially to council enforcement officers on 64252 ext 3099.