A UTILITY company has been ordered to pay a fine and court costs for failing to reinstate works in Newton Poppleford last year. Wales and West Utilities was fined £600 and ordered to pay £854.98 in costs by Honiton Magistrates' Court on January 2 followin

A UTILITY company has been ordered to pay a fine and court costs for failing to reinstate works in Newton Poppleford last year.Wales and West Utilities was fined £600 and ordered to pay £854.98 in costs by Honiton Magistrates' Court on January 2 following work at Back Lane, Newton Poppleford, between March 28 and September 17, 2007.Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, utility companies are legally required to ensure that any part of the public highway they dig up is properly reinstated, and that while works are carried out they are signed and guarded to protect the public and the workforce.The companies are self-regulating and have a duty to meet the standards laid down in the regulations. Prosecutions taken under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 can attract a maximum penalty of £5,000.