Money. Pic: Howard Lake

A Burntwood firm has been ordered to pay almost £8,000 for a bonfire that caused plumes of smoke.

Alan Wilmore (Builders) Ltd opleaded guilty to causing or permitting the emission of dark smoke as a result of burning material from the company’s premises on Plant Lane in Burntwood.

Lichfield District Council started proceedings after visiting the site, following complaints from nearby residents last November.

The company was ordered to pay a fine of £6,600, court costs of £1,197 and a victim surcharge of £128 – a total of £7,925.

Councillor Colin Greatorex, Cabinet member for housing and health, said: “Protecting the public from harmful emissions is a duty we take very seriously.

“Burning any materials that can result in toxic fumes is not acceptable, especially for a business, so we’re pleased the court took the offence seriously.

“We hope this case will act as an example to others to avoid polluting the air through the illegal burning of waste material.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.