Two waste companies in Kent have been ordered to pay a total of more than £44,000 for illegal activity.

Fastrac Contractors and Utilities Limited were found guilty of tipping waste on flood plain near the River Medway, the Environment Agency said.

Charges were brought against both firms when an investigation found building waste and rubble being tipped at River House, Cuxton, which was not covered by an environmental permit.

Environment Manager Alan Cansdale said: “The court heard today how waste crime can undermine legitimate businesses and damage the environment. The illegally tipped waste in Cuxton compromised the flood plain around the River Medway.

“Without an environmental permit application, no assessment had been made regarding the impact of deposits in this area of flood plain and the potential to exacerbate flooding elsewhere. In cases like this, where individuals or businesses operate illegally, the Environment Agency has no hesitation in prosecuting.”