Over £1000 in fines were issued last month alone for fly-tipping.

The Cotswold District Council issued three fixed penalty notices to individuals, totalling a sum of £1200 in fines.

The council is hoping to remind people that fly-tipping is a criminal face that can result in fines and/or prosecution.

Councillor Andrew Doherty, cabinet member for environment, waste and recycling, said: “We are seeing more illegitimate waste removal services offered to residents. These services offer unrealistically low prices by avoiding licensing and cutting corners to dispose of waste dangerously and illegally. Please make sure you check any service you use is registered and legitimate before using them otherwise you could be liable.

“If you witness an incident of fly-tipping, please report it as soon as you can, that gives our officers the best chance of catching the perpetrators and by working together we can help tackle this blight on our countryside.”

The council has reminded residents that if someone illegally dumps someone else’s waste, the owner of the waste is also liable.

Kevin Lea, enviro-crime programmes officer at the council, added:

“It’s essential that residents err on the side of caution and think twice about ‘too good to be true’ low-cost quotes when seeking a waste removal service. Under the ‘Domestic Duty of Care’, any resident must ensure that the service is carried out by an authorised person or company otherwise they could face a fine of £400.

“When looking for a waste management company, residents should only hire someone who is registered and licensed by the Environment Agency. A reputable company will also be happy to share details of their licence number so their credentials can be checked. The company should be fully insured and a Duty of Care waste transfer note should be handed over once the rubbish has been removed. If you take all reasonable measures to meet your duty of care, this will ensure you'll avoid receiving an unexpected fine.

“In line with our Clean and Green initiative, our collective goal is to maintain and improve the beautiful district that we’re so proud of. By working together to make things better, we can protect our environment, help people do the right thing and tackle those who do not. As a Council we’d like to thank everyone who has played their part thus far.”