THREE directors of a recycling company have appeared in court charged with conspiracy to defraud a government green funding scheme.

Clive Tayton, 52, of Bratton Clovelly, 46-year-old Aaron Custance, formerly of Bondleigh but who now lives in a caravan on an Okehampton industrial estate, and 67-year-old Frederick Bartlett, of Romsey, Hampshire, are accused that between March and June 2013 they conspired together with other persons to defraud South West Cleantech Co-Investment Fund.

Bartlett and Tayton are also accused of conspiring to commit fraud by false representation.

They are accused that between May and June 2013 they conspired to make a false representation that £250,000 of funding had been obtained so as to be eligible for a matching government eco loan.

The case brought by the Department of Business, Investment and Skills was heard at Exeter Magistrates Court.

The three men were sent to Exeter Crown Court on unconditional bail for a preliminary hearing on November 25.