A development company carried out potentially dangerous work and then ignored a Prohibition Notice requiring them to stop until improvements had been made, a court has heard.

Eastlake Developments carried out the work to install septic tanks in a six-metre-deep excavation for cottages in Llanfair Discoed, near Chepstow, in July 2013, but allowed an unqualified worker to be in charge of the project.

The work was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which prosecuted the company at Cwmbran Magistrates Court last week (25 April).

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The court heard that a HSE inspector visited the site following concerns raised about the safety of workers. Significant failings were found, including the large excavation which had unsupported sides and no barriers to prevent anyone falling in.

The site manager had also not had the required training necessary to manage excavations and a Prohibition Notice was served to prevent any further work taking place.

Despite this, the company continued to work in the excavation and during a return visit inspectors found a second tank had been installed.

Eastlake Developments Ltd, of Parc Maes Ffynnon, Itton, near Chepstow, pleaded guilty to two breaches of health and safety legislation and was fined a total of £8,000 and ordered to pay £1,187 in costs.

(CD)