Fly-tippers have been warned that they will be prosecuted after eight gaming and slot machines were dumped at Workington’s Oldside this week.

Allerdale council officers had to go and remove the abandoned machines and this was the second incidence of fly tipping in the same area in recent weeks.

Offenders face a fine of up to £50,000 or even a prison sentence if caught.

A council spokesman said: “People may also be prosecuted if fly-tipped items can be traced back to them, even if they weren’t the person who dumped them.”

He said the amount of flytipping in the borough does not seem to be rising but Workington appears to be the main target for fly tippers and Oldside has become a favourite spot.

“There’s no excuse for fly-tipping - it’s unsightly, dangerous and needless.”

In September this year a Workington business was fined £400 for fly tipping, also at Oldside.

In May a Maryport business was fined £700 for fly tipping in the back lane in the town.

Moorclose councillor, Stephen Stoddard has also reported fly tipping in his ward.

The council spokesman added: “Allerdale council has a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and we would like to remind everyone that they have a duty of care to ensure that their rubbish is disposed of properly.

“There are a number of ways to dispose of waste safely and legally in the borough.

“The council offers a bulky waste collection service (for a small fee) and items can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centres (run by the county council).”

More options can be found at www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/waste-recycling/ and fly-tipping can be reported at https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/report/report-fly-tipping/