Caught! Fly tipper spotted dumping rubbish by resident

3.00.12pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Jan 2007

Lib Dem Sutton Council has successfully prosecuted a local resident for dumping waste at the rear of Green Wrythe Lane after being caught red-handed by a member of the public in August of last year.

Colin Hall, deputy leader of Sutton Council, said: "I am delighted that the public are coming forward to report this illegal activity. Sutton Council will always act swiftly and we will always seek to prosecute anyone caught fly tipping."

Residents could also face a fine of up to £5,000 if they allow bogus traders to take away their rubbish under the Waste (Household Waste Duty of Care) (England and Wales) Regulations 2005. The law means householders must use an authorised trader to remove their waste.

If a household fails to take reasonable steps to transfer their waste to an authorised person, such as a registered waste carrier, the local authority can prosecute them.

Fly tipping carries a maximum fine of £50,000 or up to five years imprisonment.

To report fly tipping offences please call Sutton Council on 020 8770 5070.