A firm has been fined thousands of pounds after disposing of a trailer containing numerous ketchup bottles in a car park.

Rubbish Cleared Promptly Limited along with director Simon Cole were handed a joint penalty of £16,966 following the matter, which took place in October 2024 at Anchor Springs car park in Littlehampton.

The court was told that workers for the company left behind a trailer filled with hundreds of tomato ketchup bottles in the car park.

At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on June 22, 2026, Rubbish Cleared Promptly Ltd was directed to pay £13,180.50, comprising an £8,000 penalty, £3,180.50 in legal costs, and a £2,000 victim surcharge.

Cole received a £432 fine alongside £3,180.50 in costs and a £173 victim surcharge, bringing his total to £3,785.50.

The prosecution was initiated by Arun District Council.

Councillor Amanda Worne, chair of Arun District Council’s Environment Committee, stated that illegal dumping represents a significant environmental offence that harms communities, destroys natural habitats and wildlife, and creates unpleasant scenes for locals and visitors. She noted that investigations and clean-up operations are funded by taxpayers. She said this prosecution demonstrates the council’s dedication to tracking down those responsible and pursuing legal action when evidence warrants it. She expressed hope that it would discourage others from illegally disposing of waste.

The council is encouraging residents to report instances of illegal dumping and to verify that any waste removal contractor they hire holds the proper licence.