FLY-tippers have dumped rubbish and furniture in a Wirral country lane for the fourth time in a year.

A television cabinet and mattress were among the items found in Carr Lane, Moreton, this week.

Ward councillor Steve Williams said the area is frequently used as a dump by households and industrial sites - with the costs of removal and clean up met by the council.

The authority said it was using "all powers necessary" to tackle the problem, adding that it had issued 25 fixed penalty notices to individuals for fly tipping across Wirral between April and November last year.

Councillor Steve Williams said: "The latest incident was posted on our Facebook page and seen by more than 22,000 people in less than a week.

"The new crackdown should deter some of those responsible for this selfish and lazy environmental crime but, for those who carry on, I will be pushing for the council to find them and fine them."

Householders failing to pass their waste to a licensed carrier, and whose waste is found fly-tipped, could face penalties of up to £400.

Cllr Anita Leech, Wirral cabinet member for environment, said: "Wirral Council categorically do not tolerate environmental crime of any kind.

"It is crystal clear that the council can and will use all powers necessary to bring criminals who commit environmental crimes to justice, reinforcing our commitment to improving the local environment.

"If Wirral residents are getting rid of any waste, be that garden waste, old household items such as a sofa, mattress or washing machine or just extra bags of rubbish, they have a legal duty to check that the company they are using is a registered waste carrier.

"Unlicensed waste carriers are more likely to cut corners and fly tip, which is why they can offer lower prices, unfairly undercutting legitimate businesses who take their environmental responsibilities seriously.

"Not only are they avoiding their responsibility and charges for the proper disposal of waste, but by fly-tipping waste they are leaving an unsightly mess for residents and causing additional costs to the public purse or private landowners who have to clear up after them."