WELSH Water is warning people they could face prosecution if they are caught fly-tipping on its sites, after successfully prosecuting a man from Barry for dumping rubbish in one of its reservoirs.

Ralph Bikram, who trades as Wolf & Vale from Barry, was found guilty of three offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.

The offences related to waste which Mr Bikram had disposed of at Pontsticill Reservoir near Merthyr Tydfil at the end of July.

Mr Bikram, who had pleaded not guilty to the charges, was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and to pay costs of £9,000.

Commenting on the prosecution, Welsh Water’s managing director of water services, Ian Christie, said: "I hope this case serves as a warning to anyone thinking that our sites are soft targets for fly-tipping.

"People should realise that our reservoirs are there for a reason - to collect water that will be used for drinking purposes - so to dispose of waste which risks pollution is irresponsible and something that won’t be tolerated.

"Fly-tipping also spoils the natural beauty of our sites, many of which are located in areas of outstanding beauty.

"We would urge anyone who sees rubbish being dumped at any of our sites to contact the police immediately."