MONTEGO BAY, St James – Former mayor of Montego Bay Milton Stewart pleaded not guilty to creating a public nuisance when he appeared in court this week.

Stewart was issued a notice from the St James Parish Council, on August 15, to mitigate a public nuisance on Barnett Street in this resort city.

At that time, it was reported that waste water was being discharged, from premises which he operates, onto the roadway. He, however, reportedly failed to rectify the problem within the stipulated 14 days, and was subsequently brought before the court where, on Wednesday, he pleaded not guilty to the charge against him. He is to return to court on October 12.

Stewart served the St James Parish Council in the capacity as mayor from 1986 to 1990. Earlier this year, secretary/manager at the council Ian Reid warned that the council would be taking strong action against persons who violate the law.

In April, councillor for the Maroon Town division of the council Glendon Harris was also slapped with a charge of creating public nuisance after waste water was allegedly seen coming from his premises on Church Street in Montego Bay. The charge was, however, later withdrawn.