Fly-tipping across Dudley is rocketing – with beauty spots being targeted, new figures have revealed.

In the last three months, 38 people have been convicted – and that is nearly half the total number for the previous 12 months.

The amount of fly-tippers had already increased by more than 50 per cent in the previous year. Five of these cases were at the Wrens Nest, Fens Pool and Saltwells nature reserves, where piles of black bags were dumped.

Pubs sitting empty around the area have also been targeted.

They include the former Dry Dock in Netherton and the Gipsies Tent Inn in Steppingstone Street, Dudley.

More than £12,000 has been paid to Dudley Council over the last year by people who have been issued with fixed penalty notices of up to £75 for all types of offences.

There were 82 cases of fly- tipping in the 2010/11 financial year – compared to 52 in 2009/10.

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