COUNCIL chiefs are waging war against illegal tipping and urging the public to help them in their campaign to clean up the town.

Litter wardens are engaging in undercover surveillance work in an effort to catch fly-tippers dumping everything from household rubbish to tyres and company waste. And borough leaders want the public to play a part in catching the rogue rubbish dumpers.

Karen Kellet, from the Technical Services department, said: "If people see anybody dumping waste the best help we can have is if they take the registration number of the car or note down anything that is written on a van. They should also report where and when it was seen.

"We also need people to support the council by being able to stand up in court and report what they have seen."

Last week the council successfully prosecuted a man caught dumping rubbish in Woolston after a member of the public reported his registration number to the council.

The council wants to stamp out fly-tipping because of the environmental and health hazard it creates.

"Litter is left strewn around and gets blown everywhere. As well as posing a health risk it can ruin the physical environment. It is very costly for the council to constantly clean up," said Mrs Kellet.

Clr John Joyce, chairman of the Technical Services Committee, said the council was determined to stamp it out. He said: "Not only is fly tipping an eyesore it's illegal and is a danger to both the community and the environment.

"There are facilities available for the proper disposal of waste and the council is doing everything it can to put an end to this problem. We will prosecute guilty parties wherever possible."

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