Fly-tipping falls after crackdown

Fly-tipping in Derbyshire has been cut following a joint campaign, according to council officials.

Excluding Derby city, the county had 5,878 cases of illegal dumping from April 2007 to April 2008, down from 6,346 over the previous 12 months.

The county council, district councils and Environment Agency used warnings, CCTV and even DNA kits to deter or trace those involved in fly-tipping.

Officials also praised the work of the public, who had reported 220 cases.

A helpline was opened in February so people could call the council if they saw rubbish being dumped.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for environmental services, said: "Fly-tipping is a crime. It looks a mess, it's dangerous and it costs taxpayers money to clear up.

"We're really pleased the number of fly-tipping cases has fallen but there are still people out there blotting our landscape.

"That's why we're working together to catch the tippers. And when we do, we will prosecute."