JUDGES should crack down much harder on companies which pollute the environment by imposing bigger fines on them, says a Government watchdog.

And the Environment Agency is also planning to shame offending companies with a new "league table" of the country's most regular polluters.

Speaking at the agency's general meeting in Liverpool, regional chief Ian Handyside said: "Although we had a record fine of £300,000 against ICI, generally fines are still far too low.

"They do not usually reflect the seriousness of offences, nor the environmental risk or damage, nor the ability of companies to pay.

"For many organisations, the fines are no more than small change and send completely the wrong message to board rooms."

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