THE Sustainable Carlisle group has labelled fly-tipping as 'cowardly' after figures revealed a record-high level last year.

The green network that focuses on tackling issues such as climate change in the local community shared its disgust with the recently-released figures.

This data from the Department for Enviroment, Food and Rural Affairs revealed that in the year to March 2022 in Carlisle, there were 1,696 fly-tipping incidents.

This figure was an increase from the 1,594 incidents recorded in the previous year and wsa the highest on record since data collection began in 2012/13.

The same data set also showed the the majority of this waste was discovered on highways and on back alleyways with removal of this refuse costing the Carlisle City Council £6,250.

READ MORE: Record level of fly-tipping in Carlisle last year, figures show

In response to this figures, Henry Goodwin, secretary at Sustainable Carlisle labelled fly-tipping as a 'blight' on the local community whilst also suggesting action that could be taken by local authorities to curb the rise.

He said: "Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and landscapes. It is irresponsible and cowardly.

"It could be helped though if we had better infrastructure in place with many more collection points around our communities and a council driven information programme aimed at cutting waste at source, especially non-essential plastics.

"Such a campaign should aim to put pressure on producers and retailers such as supermarkets to stop selling everything covered in plastic and give people better choices."

Carlisle City Council also responded to the new figures by encouraging local residents to report enviro-crimes, whilst also reaffirming its commitment to keeping Carlisle rubbish-free. 

Cllr Nigel Christian, portfolio holder for enviroment and transport said: "Fly-tipping is a serious environmental hazard and an expensive one too - money that could be better spent in the community.

"We’re committed to improving the environment and keeping Carlisle clean.

"We urge residents to report enviro-crimes, including littering and fly-tipping by emailing customerservices@carlisle.gov.uk

"We will then investigate and take action where we can."