DARLINGTON MP Jenny Chapman, who has campaigned on behalf of local residents to bring Albert Hill Skip Hire under control, said she was delighted by the guilty verdicts.

"This marks the end point of a very long journey for residents close to the site," she said.

"They've lived through a nightmare the last few years and I'm very pleased that justice is at last being done. They [the Shepherd family] have been a thorn in the side of the police, the fire service, the council, local councillors and myself."

Meanwhile, Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure and environment, at Darlington Borough Council, said: "I am delighted with the result. The council has worked with other agencies to gather information leading to this successful conviction.

"The jury considered all of the evidence and the nine guilty verdicts are an indication that this was an illegal operation which caused misery to the people who had the misfortune to live near the site."

The verdict was also welcomed by the Environment Agency.

David Edwardson, environmental crime team leader, said: "Their operations were carried out in the interests of profit, unfortunately at the expense of the environment. By not complying with waste regulations, the company also undermined legitimate businesses.

"We would like to thank Durham Constabulary, Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council, Durham and Darlington Fire Service, VOSA and the Health and Safety Executive for their help in tackling this type of crime. Together we are determined that people who flout the law will be brought before the courts and dealt with accordingly."