360 Property Limited were the principal contractor for a new build housing development at Oak Road, Blaina.

An improvement notice was served on the site after site security issues were not addressed, despite a previous visit from a HSE inspector who highlighted concerns.

Newport Magistrates’ Court heard how on 21 May 2015 a two year old child had gained access to the site and was riding his bike when he fell into a drain, the cover of which had been removed.

Fortunately the child was shaken but not injured.

360 Property Limited was fined a total of £10,000, and ordered to pay £6,668.15 in costs after pleading guilty to two CDM offences.

HSE Inspector David Kirkpatrick said: “It is absolutely imperative that construction companies adequately secure their construction sites to prevent unauthorised access.

“Construction sites can contain hazards that children and vulnerable people may not fully appreciate.”