A Royston man must pay more than £4,000 for failing to have a permit for his dry cleaning business.

Mohammad Amjad Ali, who runs DHS Dry Cleaners in Church Lane, ignored repeated warnings from the council that dry cleaning machines are required to be regulated through an environmental permit – meaning the machines must be inspected and have risk assessments to ensure they are safe and meet environmental rules.

The 48-year-old defended himself in court, pleading not guilty to ‘operating a solvent emission activity without a permit’ – but was convicted by Stevenage magistrates.

He was ordered to pay a total of £4,431.52 – a fine of £1,250, costs of £3,061.52 and a victim surchage of £120.

The discovery was made by North Herts District Council environmental health officers from during an unannounced visit in October last year.

Councillor Bernard Lovewell, who is responsible for environmental health at the district council, said: “Some solvents used in dry cleaning machines, if emitted into the atmosphere, are harmful.

“The environmental permit scheme, which is a national system established by legislation, exists to protect the health of the public, protect our environment.

“We will pursue and prosecute anyone who seeks to operate outside of the law.”