Call for action on fly tipping

The influential Country Landowners' Association say the problem is particularly bad in the county and is calling for urgent action.

The association wants its members and the public to report any sightings to the police and is also drawing up a code of practice.

Fly tipping covers a whole range of problems from people dumping household waste and garden rubbish to large scale illegal operations.

People have been known to leave rubbish on the grass verges of country lanes as well as organise large scale dumping at isolated spots.

There is also growing concern about the dangers posed the countryside by toxic and hazardous waste.

Jolyon Dodgson, the CLA's regional director for Lancashire, said: "Incidents of illegal dumping appear to be on the increase nationally.

"The problem gets worse in spring and summer and our members are beginning to lose patience."

He added: "We want fly tipping to be conspicuous as a criminal activity in the countryside. "Reporting incidents to the police might ensure more resources are devoted to tackling the problem.

"Building and garden rubbish often account for the bulk of the rubbish and once rubbish has been dumped on a particular piece of ground the tendency is for many more people to follow suit so that the area very quickly becomes an eyesore."

People found guilty of illegal tipping can be fined up to £20,000 and sent to jail for up to five years.

Mr Dodgson added: "Fly tippers are a menace and we hope the general public out for a day in the countryside will help by reporting any incidents.

"We don't want anyone to put themselves in danger but registration numbers of cars used by people dumping rubbish can be useful.

"More important, of course, is a description of those people involved."

The Environment Agency has also set up a hot-line and any incidents can be reported on 0800 807060.

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