A BELBROUGHTON man is to stand trial after denying charges of allowing oil to be discharged into a Worcester brook from a scrap metal site.

A Kidderminster man - Ronald Calder, 53, of Hurcott Road - has already pleaded guilty to charges brought by the Environment Agency and will be sentenced after the trial, due to take place next year.

Calder admitted operating at C&D Metals on Blackpole Trading Estate without the required environmental permit between August 2011, and December 2012. He also admitted allowing the discharge of a polluting matter, namely oil, into Barbourne Brook or its tributary from the site without a permit between May 2012, and October 2012.

Giles Detheridge, 34, of Hartle Lane, Belbroughton, denies similar charges relating to the same site dating back to 2011 and 2012. He will stand trial along with John Bruce, 42, of Crabbe Lane near Pershore, also for similar charges.

Mr Detheridge also denies failing to comply with a works notice served by the Environment Agency in December 2012.

Additionally, Calder admitted failing to comply with environmental paperwork requirements.

The trial is expected to take place next March at crown court, either in Worcester or Hereford.