Fly-tippers in Richmond could face fines of up to £50,000 if they are caught dumping rubbish, Richmond Council has warned.

Leader of Richmond Council, Councillor Gareth Roberts, said: "Fly-tipping is a crime that costs our residents thousands of pounds to clean-up and damages our beautiful borough.

"We're monitoring fly-tipping hot spots and fining offenders. It is outrageous that people are dumping entire van loads beside recycling bins and abandoning bulky items on our roadsides.

"The Council is stepping up this enforcement so we can keep Richmond clean and safe."

Enforcement officers have the power to issue on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of £1,000 for small scale fly-tips.

Larger fly-tipping is punishable by fines of up to £50,000, and/or a prison sentence.

Fly-tipping includes furniture and other bulky items dumped by roadsides or recycling banks, as well as rubbish bags next to bins and clothes and toys left outside charity shops.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, added: "Fly-tipping is anti-social, harmful to wildlife, and an eyesore.

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"It's especially offensive to those who live or work nearby and dispose of their waste responsibly and there is no excuse for it.

"The Council provides re-use and recycling services across the borough to help residents dispose of unwanted items responsibly and conveniently."

The Council investigates reported fly-tipping incidents, issues FPNs where appropriate and takes legal action against serious offenders.

Fly-tipping can be reported on the website, or via the My Richmond app.

The Council said any information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence.