Extra cameras target fly-tippers in County Durham

Durham County Council spends £20,000 a month clearing illegally dumped waste

The use of CCTV cameras to trap illegal fly-tippers is to be extended across County Durham.

Durham County Council has joined forces with Durham Police and the Environment Agency to target hot spot areas.

Despite a recent drop in the number of fly-tipping incidents, council staff are still dealing with more than 2,500 fly-tipping incidents a year.

Those convicted of fly-tipping face fines of up to £50,000 a prison sentence of up to 12 months.

Durham County Council's head of direct services, Oliver Sherratt, said: "We take a zero tolerance approach to the minority that cause fly-tipping.

"It spoils the appearance of neighbourhoods and can be a safety hazard in our communities.

"As a result of our partnership approach, the number of incidents of fly-tipping in the county is falling.

"Nevertheless, there have still been more than 2,500 over the last year and it costs us over £20,000 a month to clean up the mess."