Loggers floored by pine fines

ILLEGAL loggers face fines of over €800,000 after cutting down more than 250 protected pine trees in Mijas.

A total 271 trees were found floored by environmental agents during a routine inspection of a field in Rancho de La Luz.

The owner of the field has admitted responsibility for cutting down the pines, which are protected under a planning order imposed by Mijas council.

The guilty party claims not to have been aware of the protection order, under which anyone caught chopping down the trees will be fined between €1,500 and €3,000 per tree.

Environmental councillor Jose Fontalba said: “Being unaware of the law does not exempt anyone from their actions.”