Optical Express is appealing against a £25,000 fine over allegations that a Manchester city centre branch was responsible for fly tipping.
Manchester City Council claimed that DCM Optical Clinical plc, trading as Optical Express and the Eye Clinic on 74 Cross Street, was failing in its duty of care to properly dispose of commercial waste.
The council alleged that on June 20 2006 a street warden found a number of cardboard boxes and refuse sacks in the Four Yards area at the rear of Cross Street and that several of the boxes were addressed to the Eye Clinic and Optical Express. Two days later the warden discovered more refuse sacks and cardboard addressed to the Optical Express outlet.
Manchester Magistrates court decided on the £25,000 fine plus £555 in costs after Optical Express representatives failed to appear at the hearing.
An Optical Express spokesman told Optician: 'This is a ludicrous case. We were never served a summons so it's hardly surprising we weren't in court. Our lawyers are lodging an immediate appeal.'