RESIDENTS in County Durham are being encouraged to get behind a campaign to tackle fly-tipping.

Durham County Council, in partnership with the police and Environment Agency, is running a three-week campaign targeting people who dump waste illegally.

Surveillance of known fly-tipping hotspots is taking place and companies which transport and dispose of waste to ensure they are properly registered and disposing of the waste correctly.

As part of the campaign people are asked to report incidents and provide information that will help Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection team to identify those responsible.

Since December 2, more than 100 suspected incidents of fly-tipping have been reported and are under investigation. In two cases, fixed penalty notices have already been issued and checks have also been made on a number of traders.

Ian Hoult, neighbourhood protection manager at Durham County Council, said: “Fly-tipping is a serious criminal offence, it damages our environment and is a danger to wildlife.

“We are tackling this issue head on and would like to thank those who have already provided us with information in confidence.

The campaign to tackle fly-tipping ends on Friday (December 20) but people are still urged to be vigilant and report suspected incidents.

For more details call 0300-026-1000, email flytipping@durham.gov.uk or visit durham.gov.uk/flytipping