Rewards in fly-tip blitz

Rewards of £100 are being offered by Cannock Chase Council to encourage members of the public to come forward with information about fly-tipping.

The measure is just one part to a concerted campaign by the authority to clamp down on environmental criminals. The tip off money will be paid to witnesses who come forward with information which leads to a successful prosecution.

The council is also targeting businesses, demanding they prove they have the correct licences and paperwork, when dumping commercial waste.

Litter louts and dog owners who don't clean up after their pets will also be targeted under the zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping.

Over the next year a series of leaflet distributions, posters and billboard campaigns will take place to help residents and businesses.

Councillor Tony Williams, cabinet member for environment, said: "The idea is to encourage members of the public to come forward and help us to prosecute.

"It is costing the council a small fortune to clean up after fly-tipping and the council now has a zero tolerance approach. If you fly-tip in Cannock Chase you will be prosecuted."

In recent months the council has targeted businesses using tyres after large numbers were regularly being discarded.

Karen Sulway, environmental protection manager at Cannock Chase Council said: "Many companies are still unaware of their responsibility to dispose of commercial waste properly."

Every business in Cannock Chase is required to keep documentation for two years showing how they dispose of their waste. Businesses that choose a collection service to carry and dispose of their waste should make sure the company is a licensed waste carrier.

Householders can be held accountable should items from their property be identified as part of fly-tipping waste. They face a fine of up to £5,000.