A Stockport man who charged residents to remove their rubbish has been fined after he was found guilty of illegally dumping that rubbish.

Christopher Ridgway, who advertised his services as "Stockport Waste Removal", charged residents hundreds of pounds to remove their waste, without having the required licence to dispose of it properly.

Instead, Ridgway took it to household tips at no cost, and in one case fly-tipped it.

In one instance, investigating officers even found a Stockport Waste Removal branded t‑shirt at the scene, linking the items back to his business.

He was fined more than £1,500 after pleading guilty at Tameside Magistrates' Court.

This comprised: a £480 fine (the maximum for the offence); a £192 victim surcharge; and £832.70 in clean‑up and investigation costs.

Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, said: "This case sends a clear message that illegal waste disposal will not be tolerated in Stockport.

"Fraudulently dumping commercial waste at local tips is a serious offence, and those who break the law will face significant penalties.

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"We urge residents to protect themselves and our environment by carrying out simple checks before paying anyone to remove waste.

"Always ask to see a valid upper tier waste carrier's licence and confirm where your waste will be taken — and always get a receipt. Together, we can stop waste crime and keep Stockport clean."

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