SELFISH fly-tippers have been warned the council will get tougher on perpetrators – but the leader admits there is an educational issue with people ‘not of UK origin’.

Leader Cllr Russ Bowden reassured residents that the Labour-run authority is determined to stamp out the costly problem during Tuesday’s leader’s forum at Orford Community Hub.

But he admits officers need the public’s help in order to deliver prosecutions.

Cllr Bowden (LAB – Birchwood) said: “Fly-tipping and littering is a real problem.

“Fly-tipping is a criminal act and there are a small number of people in our community who think it is acceptable to dump waste.

Warrington Guardian:

“The council can take information in confidence and, if people provide evidence, we can take action.

“Without evidence, it is really hard to prosecute people.

“It is time we got tough on people.

“Sometimes there is an issue around education, particularly with people not of UK origin, as waste systems are different in different countries.

“But there is no excuse.

“We do need to get on top of it as it is a blight for all of us.”

It comes days after Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, was left fuming after spotting waste dumped in front of a fly-tipping warning sign at Bakers Place, off Orford Lane.

Warrington Guardian:

It has sparked fresh discussions over the possibility of bringing in CCTV to catch those responsible.

Cllr Higgins (LAB – Fairfield and Howley) said: “Fly-tipping is costing everyone hard-earned money.

“This is the second time in three weeks I have spotted rubbish dumped like this.

“It is simply unbelievable.

“The ironic thing is that where the waste was dumped, there is a very large sign warning fly-tippers of a huge fine.

“Council resources are stretched to a maximum already and we just haven’t got the capacity to provide CCTV but, if needs must, we may have to look at providing some level of CCTV in areas that are a hotspot.

“But I urge residents to provide evidence and information to help us bring prosecutions.

“Without evidence, we have got nothing.

“Also, some of the businesses on Orford Lane are being unfairly tarnished, waste is being dumped near where their shops are located and it is not coming from them.”