A BAR-RESTAURANT manager cried foul after Vale council-hired environmental enforcers fined the business £600.

The Habana Bar and Grill, on High Street, Barry, was issued with a £300 fine for “failure to ensure the commercial waste receptacle is securely locked” while general manager, Richard Patterson and staff were loading the container at 11am on December 15.

Mr Patterson said the enforcement officer issued another £300 fine for failing to present the “duty of care” certificate which the ‘green’-minded restaurant could only present on email.

3GS rescinded the £300 certificate when private waste disposal company, Biffa, later supplied a hard copy of the certificate.

The Vale Council has requested 3GS review the case.

Mr Patterson said: “We were going through our normal cleaning after the night before. The back door was open and we were taking the rubbish out. A gentleman approached us. He said: “The bin’s not locked,” and we said: “It’s not locked because we are still cleaning.” He said: “It doesn’t matter.”

Mr Patterson noted the rear alleyway, where bins are housed, constantly features fly-tipped items which stay un-penalised.

Vale and Barry town Baruc ward councillor, Nic Hodges said: “I am concerned that this is a money making exercise by an over-zealous firm employed by the council. There needs to be a common sense approach.”

Vale council head of visible services and transport, Emma Reed said 3GS were working in partnership with the council to undertake the enforcement of environmental offences, such as dog fouling and littering.

Ms Reed said: “3GS has started to enforce the duty of care requirements for commercial businesses within the Vale. Council officers meet regularly with 3GS to review their work and ensure duties are being performed as instructed. In view of the issues raised by the Habana Bar & Grill, Barry the council has requested 3GS review this particular case. Once the case has been reviewed an officer from the council will contact the company to advise of the outcome.”

3GS managing director, Paul Buttivant said: “The ultimate aim of our partnership with the council is to change the behaviour of those who litter, making the Vale’s streets, parks and open spaces cleaner and in doing so reduce the escalating costs associated with cleaning, a financial burden that directly falls on the tax-payer.”