A BUILDING contractor has been found guilty of six offences relating to the unauthorised connection and plumbing of a new two-storey residential building in Radlett.

The prosecution was brought by local water company Affinity at Willesden Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday, May 7, against Paragon Design and Build Services Ltd, the main contractor for the development, a building containing four flats in New Road.

The Barnet-based firm pleaded guilty to six offences relating to the unauthorised connection of the development to the public water main and the standard of plumbing at the premises.

The court imposed fines totalling £3,000 and ordered Paragon to pay prosecution costs of £1,165.50 and a £120 victim surcharge.

After the sentencing Tamsin Xerxes, prosecuting for Affinity Water, said that the health of householders could have been put at risk as a result of the plumbing.

She said: “This prosecution sends out a strong message that committing water-related offences will not be tolerated.”

Water quality manager Mike Webb said it was “fortunate” that the quality of the water supplied to the building had not been affected.

He added: “We hope our customers are reassured by our determination to take strong action where plumbing regulations are ignored.”