A RECYCLING collection firm in Beoley has been fined £5,000 after a pensioner was struck by one of its trucks in Mappleborough Green.

Stratford-upon-Avon District Council successfully prosecuted R&S Recycling Ltd, which is based in Beoley Lane, for offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999.

One of the company's collection vehicles reversed into the 77-year-old woman outside the former Badger Nurseries in June 2015, after picking up waste nearby.

The victim avoided any life-threatening injuries, but Nuneaton magistrates noted she had been lucky to do so.

In sentencing on June 6, magistrates considered the company's finances, its lack of cooperation with Stratford Council and a previous conviction following a fatality on its premises in 2011.

R&S will pay-out £11,757 altogether, including the fine, court costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the trial, Cllr Mike Brian, portfolio holder for community and technical services at Stratford, said: "This was a very unfortunate incident which could easily have been avoided by the company carrying-out a risk assessment specific to this site and identifying the need to use a reversing assistant or collect the waste when the nursery was closed to the public.

“Reversing heavy vehicles is an inherently dangerous task which should be avoided where possible by arranging site layouts so that it’s not required.

"However, where it’s unavoidable measures must be taken to reduce the risk, such as the use of reversing assistants and, in areas where members of the public may be present, ensuring heavy vehicle movements are limited to times when the public don’t have access.

He added: "I hope this prosecution sends a clear message that the district council will take action in order to protect and safeguard the public.”