dumped earth

[upton41]

hi,i recently hired a paving contractor to patio my back garden at an agreed price.5 hours into the first day they said that they would be charging �600 more.i wasn't agreeable to this and asked them to stop work immediately.they said that payment would have to be made for the work already done.i paid them �230 which was on top of the initial deposit of �100 totalling �330.they went on there way.on leaving they tipped the earth that was on there truck out near to the front of my house.my local council has asked me for payment to them to clear it away.if i refuse to pay they will take proceedings.what i want to know is,is the earth still mine after i've just paid someone to do a job for me?or is it down to the contractor to move it?the council say its still my earth.hope someone can help.thanks

[landscaper2]

What a bunch of oiks they sound, well done for sending them on their way!! While my instinct says 'get the b*ggers back', I think the Council are right tho re soil and do you want the hassle of persuing the contractor anyway? Either get a skip dropped round and some friends to help load or ring a 'muck away' company and get them to whip round with a grab lorry. I would think that �150.00ish would be cheaper than being charged by the council. Good luck and put it down to experience!

[Whoever]

I'd contact the Trading Standards Department of your local council as soon as possible tell them what has happened and ask if they or the Council's Waste Disposal department can take them to Court for fly tipping. There are a lot of cowboys around like this and I'm sure your Trading Standards department would like to hear about them.

[upton41]

thank you for both your replies.i am grateful for your help. i will not deal with diamond drives ltd of essex ever again

[landscaper2]

Thats my neck of the woods upton41, I'll keep an eye out for them!!