THE owners of a Thurrock skip hire business face prosecution from the Environment Agency following a joint official inspection visit last week.

Thurrock Council Environmental Enforcement team joined colleagues from the Environment Agency, Metropolitan Police and HM Revenue and Customs for an official inspection visit to a site in South Ockendon which was suspected of being used to illegally process waste.

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "This is another excellent example of Thurrock Council working with partners to stop unauthorised activity taking place in our borough.

"A vehicle was seized by HMRC and the site owners now face prosecution by the Environment Agency. Our officers will continue to investigate possible waste transfer offences which may have taken place at the site.

"We take matters like this extremely seriously and will use every means within our power to ensure irresponsible businesses face the full force of the law."

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "This should serve as a warning to those who would flout the law that we and our partners are still fighting to put a stop to waste crime and we won't hesitate to take action.

"Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity is reminded to report it to our 24-hour hotline by calling 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously, contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The official inspection visit took place on Friday 14 August.