By Anika Bourley

Published at 11:24, Thursday, 15 December 2011

Taxpayers' money is being spent dealing with five incidents of fly-tipping every day in Cumbria as people continue to illegally dump rubbish.

Figures released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show there were 2,171 fly-tipping dumps across Carlisle, Allerdale, Copeland and Eden in 2010-11, down from 2,451 in 2009-10.

A breakdown reveals Allerdale had the biggest problem with 911 incidents, followed by Carlisle with 618 illegal dumps.

In addition, 476 incidents blighted Copeland and 166 in Eden. Eden saw an increase from 124 the previous year but all other areas reported a decrease.

According to the figures, Copeland Council successfully prosecuted nine people – the only Cumbrian council to secure prosecutions.

Nationally, incidents decreased by 13.5 per cent across England to 820,000 and 2,400 people were prosecuted. Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: “Dumping rubbish along highway verges and other public places is irresponsible, damages the environment and spoils everyone’s enjoyment of the countryside.

“Fly-tipping figures are down and prosecutions are up, but the menace of fly-tippers still cost taxpayers more than £40m every year. That’s why we’re cracking down by giving enforcement authorities stronger powers to seize suspected fly-tippers’ vehicles, and working with the courts to make sure the punishment fits the crime.”

Ray Bloxham, responsible for environment and housing with Carlisle City Council, said fly tipping could result in hefty fines.

“It is an illegal act and prosecutions can result in fines of up to £50,000,” he said.

“We encourage residents to let us know if their local area is being targeted by fly tippers, as in most instances we will clear the debris away within five working days.”

The Government said it will be introducing stronger powers for local authorities and the Environment Agency to seize vehicles suspected of involvement in fly-tipping and is considering whether current fine levels are tough enough.

A report this year from the Countryside Alliance said fly-tipping incidents were increasing around the country because of fortnightly bin collections.

In June the Government’s Waste Review – which includes the tougher powers to fight fly-tipping – confirmed that ministers were not pushing ahead with plans to force local councils to reintroduce weekly bin collections, despite the Tories previously having championed the issue.

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