A warning has been issued to flytippers after a dozen ‘white goods’ appliances and a large amount of tyres were disposed of illegally in Barley and Barkway.

Investigation into recent flytipping incidents by North Herts District Council’s environmental crime officers has revealed that some people had used unauthorised waste clearance companies that they had found through social media sites.

Although they had paid the company to dispose of their household waste properly, their waste had been dumped illegally instead.

Those people are now facing criminal prosecution for failing to take reasonable steps to ensure that their waste was disposed of legally.

Councillor Bernard Lovewell, who is responsible for environmental health at the district council, said: “Householders have a legal obligation to ensure that waste produced on their property is passed on to an authorised person.

“In the new year many residents undertake a spring clean and dispose of unwanted items so if you intend to use anyone other than the council to remove or transport your waste, check to make sure they are authorised to do so or you could face a fine.

“Don’t risk getting a criminal record for environmental crime.”

For a full list of registered waste carriers in North Herts visit www.environmentagency.gov.uk.