A HUGE increase in fly-tipping has been recorded in Trafford since lockdown began in March.

Fly-tippers have been taking advantage during the pandemic. But the council says it is now cracking down hard.

Town hall bosses are warning people that they are being watched via a host of CCTV cameras across the borough and if they’re caught they will be prosecuted.

The borough’s environmental improvement team and enforcement officers are now back patrolling the streets to catch those breaking the law.

Parts of Trafford have long been fly-tipping hotspots, with people routinely dumping their rubbish on streets and down alleyways.

The council said it ‘will not hesitate to take action’ and is issuing on-the-spot £200 fixed penalty notices to fly-tippers and £80 fixed penalty notices to those who drop litter.

Fly-tippers will also be prosecuted and taken to court, where they face receiving a fine of up to £50,000 and or even imprisonment.

Cllr Stephen Adshead, the council's environment executive member, said: “We will never tolerate litter and fly-tipping and we will take action against anyone who is caught.

“With the help of our CCTV control room and staff from 3GS, we will be on the lookout for anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to dump rubbish.

“We have seen an increase in fly-tipping during the lockdown and we will do everything in our power to reverse this trend."

If you witness fly-tipping e-mail environmentalenforcement@trafford.gov.uk