BRITISH Telecommunications (BT) has been hit with a massive fine for law breaches during work in a street in a Somerset town.

Somerset County Council took actions against BT for two breaches during the scheme in Frome.

BT pleaded guilty at Taunton Magistrates' Court yesterday (Thursday, March 16) to two charges relating to the works in Butts Hill in October last year.

The company admitted one count of failing to secure that traffic signs were in place and maintaned and where necessary operated for the guidance or direction of people using the street, in particular the needs of people with a disability.

It was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and prosecution costs of £4,319.86.

It also pleaded guilty to carrying out the work without a valid permit, which attracted a £500 fine.

BT's total court bill for the breaches comes to £14,819.86