Fly-tipping blackspot cleaned up after CCTV installed

The alleyway in Linthorpe has been "transformed" during the crackdown

A fly-tipping blackspot has under gone a major clean-up after CCTV cameras were brought in.

Fridges, washing machines and old furniture were dumped alongside household waste in the alleyway, behind Kensington Road, Middlesbrough.

Video surveillance was put in place in October following a "blitz" on rubbish last April, which saw one resident slapped with a hefty fine.

The council said fly-tipping had fallen from around five reports a month to less than two, with none made in November or February.

'Taking pride'

The council removed what it called a "staggering" 2,180kg of waste from the site, in Linthorpe, when the clean-up operation began last year.

Since then, one person has been fined £400 and several others have received fixed penalty notices under the Environmental Protection Act.

A prosecution is also being pursued over the dumping of a white goods item in the alley.

Janet Thompson, the Labour-led council's cabinet member for community safety, said: “Last year’s clean-up was a fantastic piece of work, and I’m delighted to see we’re continuing to build on that.

“The new CCTV will act as a powerful deterrent, and those still tempted to break the law can rest assured they will be caught and fined."

She encouraged residents take "pride in their local area" and report issues to the council when they arise.