Council chiefs have warned that traders found guilty of fly-tipping could be taken to court and fined £1,000 or more while residents could face a fixed penalty fine of £100.

Council chiefs are targeting fly-tipping as an integral part of the new waste collection scheme which began last year.

Residents across the borough now have to separate their waste into recyclable and non-recyclable waste which is then collected on alternate weeks.

Harry Briggs, Scarborough Council's waste development officer, said: "Fly-tipping costs the authority £30,000 a year or a total of £6 per year per household, to collect and dispose of material left by residents and traders who do not comply with disposing of their waste properly."

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He said the community could help stamp out fly-tippers by reporting those they see dumping waste.

Mr Briggs added: "Fly-tipping effects the community, and we need the community to help."

The council will now cordon off any fly-tipping incidents reported and effectively label the area as a "crime scene".

The materials within the dumped waste will be investigated for evidence and the offenders tracked down.

Mr Briggs said the worst areas for fly-tipping were Eastborough, Foreshore Road, the estates, the Mere and Folkton Carr near Cayton.

Cllr Andrew Backhouse, Scarborough Council's cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and we will not tolerate it.

"Those found dumping waste will be dealt with appropriately.

"We are seeking help from the community, proud of where they live, and want people to contact us should they see anyone dumping waste."

Those who want to report fly-tipping in confidence, can call the Customer First team on (01723) 232323 or email flytipping@scarborough.gov.uk

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