A Bickley landowner has been prosecuted and fined for failing to clear fly-tipping.

Dean Osborn, of Danson Mead, Welling, was found guilty of the offence and was ordered to pay £942.

He did not attend Bromley Magistrates' Court to answer the charge.

The private land is adjacent to Bickley Manor Hotel in Blackbrook Lane.

Owners of the hotel told News Shopper in February how their business was suffering because of the dump site.

Leyla Sevket, who works at The Manor at Bickley, said: "People think it belongs to us. It is a real eye sore. Everyone is saying it is absolutely disgusting and nobody seems to be shifting it.

"It is a nuisance and is obviously affecting our business. It is not pleasant and it has been like this for four months."

Read more - Fly-tipping in Bickley after travellers leave 'disgusting' mess

Speaking after the prosecution, council leader Colin Smith revealed more prosecutions could follow.

He said: "This prosecution follows our promise to take action against those who have neglected to take responsibility for removing fly-tipping from their land. Although some land has been cleared, it’s likely to be the first of many prosecutions.

"If the other owners make no attempt to remove the mess from their plot of green belt land, we’ll have no option but to take similar action. We will of course, keep this under review and take further steps as needed."

Bromley Council currently offers a £500 reward for residents with information that leads to prosecution.

Land in Blackbrook Lane is divided into 35 different plots, which are owned by private landlords.

Read more - Owners facing '£100k bill' to clear 'tonnes' of rubbish in Bickley after travellers move on in Blackbrook Lane, Bickley