Camera to track fly-tippers

It is hoped the camera will lead to more prosecutions, a council meeting was told.

The meeting heard that two cases had resulted in successful prosecutions for dumping rubbish in October. However, the sum of fines and costs for both cases was £1,280, a figure Councillor Mark Whitcutt condemned as "deplorably low".

Councillor Whitcutt said: "We need the courts to start hammering these people with high-level fines."

Chairman of the council's overview and scrutiny forum, Paul Cockeram, also raised the issue of "naming and shaming" prosecuted offenders in the local community.

It was agreed to recommend the idea to cabinet immediately.

The meeting on Thursday was told the public are fed up with fly-tippers.

The night before the meeting, two girls out horse riding said they narrowly escaped injury as a lorry dumped a load of rubble in Ty Mawr Lane, Marshfield.

The lorry is said to have smashed into power cables as it sped past, knocking them down.

Police and council officials later attended the scene to clear the road of rubble.

One local man, who wished to be unnamed, told the Argus: "We have had tremendous problems with fly-tipping here. Not only is it a nuisance to farmers and drivers, but it is also very dangerous.

"They drive down here often at great speeds, open the back of their lorries and just dump what they like. Often they just unload into the middle of the road while driving."

Head of public protection and environmental services, Stephen Davison, said: "If residents have bulky refuse to dispose of they can contact the council which collects bulky items for a minimal charge of £2. Newport Wastesavers also has a scheme to bring household items back into use and can arrange collection."

* The council's waste disposal collection service can be contacted on 01633 232707 or 232722. Newport Wastesavers can be contacted on 01633 216855.