A HAIRDRESSER who illegally dumped bags of human hair in an alley has been fined after Middlesbrough Council used its new powers to curb the problem.

Allan Cox, of Allan George Hairdressing and Beauty in Baker Street, Middlesbrough, was prosecuted for breaching environmental laws.

Council officers found rubbish, including human hair, empty shampoo bottles and business correspondence at the rear of the shop.

Appearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court, Cox admitted he did not have a proper waste disposal contract with a refuse collector.

The businessman has been operating from the premises for 15 months without proper arrangements in place and was throwing his bags of rubbish over the wall.

On one occasion, a bag split open allowing officers to retrieve the evidence that led to the prosecution.

Cox, who pleaded guilty, was fined £200 and ordered to pay legal costs of £786.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety, said: "This is the first time we have used these new powers and they will be very useful in clamping down on illegal dumping."

Vivienne Close, manager of the salon, said: "A bin bag of rubbish was left out in the alley and taken away each week for 15 months.

"Mr Cox thought this collection was included in his business rates."