THE Environment Agency brought more prosecutions in the North West than any other region last year.
A new report shows that the North West branch of the agency completed 121 prosecutions in 2003, securing fines of more than £710,000 and costs of more than £237,000.
More fines were awarded in the region than in any other area in England and Wales. Among the prosecutions were United Utilities, fined a total of £46,500 for seven water offences.
In total, across England and Wales, fines of £2.9million were imposed, with more than £1.4million awarded to the agency in costs.
Steven Zdolyny, regional solicitor for the agency, said: "The agency views all environmental offences seriously. Our record during 2003 demonstrates that where such offences are committed the agency will take enforcement action. The courts imposing nearly £1million in penalties for environmental prosecutions should act as a strong deterrent."
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