A convenience store owner has been fined over £500 after failing to prove he was disposing of waste legally.

Faisal Dhalech, who owns Brading Convenience Store, on Brading Crescent, Wanstead, was prosecuted for failing to produce paperwork showing he was disposing of commercial waste legally.

He was fined £200 and ordered to pay costs of £300 by Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 11.

A victim surcharge of £30 was also imposed.

Cllr John Howard, cabinet member for civic pride, said: “All of us, including businesses have a responsibility to the environment and each other to get rid of rubbish properly, and keep our streets clean.

“Commercial waste must be disposed of safely and legally to prevent contamination and the spread of vermin.

“Any business unable to show how their commercial waste is being disposed of in a safe and legal manner will end up in court and out-of-pocket just like this case.”

The leader of the council, Cllr Jas Athwal added: “All of our residents deserve to live in a clean and safe environment, which is why we take a zero-tolerance approach to this type of grime crime.

“We will not hesitate to prosecute any company in the borough that shirks their responsibility to the environment.”