WARRINGTON Borough Council says there is no excuse for the rise in fly-tipping and littering during the coronavirus pandemic.

It has hailed volunteers who are giving up their time to be a part of litter picking groups as being a ‘fantastic help’ to their communities.

But the council says, unfortunately, it is the actions of a minority who blight the environment by littering and fly-tipping.

A spokesman said: “We are doing all we can to support community groups across the borough by providing advice and equipment, and collecting the extra waste generated from local picks.

“Our team is working towards developing closer links with community groups to create a successful network across the borough.

“We’re also working hard to empty bins and clear any accumulation of litter as soon as possible, but unfortunately our capacity to deal with increased demand means we prioritise areas of greater need such as Warrington town centre, along with other retail areas and highway clean ups.

“Throughout the pandemic we have seen a rise in the amount of waste being created, and subsequent fly-tipping and littering issues.

“There is no excuse as our recycling centres are open and waste collection services are operating as normal, but it is recognised that as people having been staying at home more, and using parks and green spaces more often, then extra waste is being created.

“You can help keep the collection services running smoothly by collapsing your waste and packaging, before placing it in the bins. Please squash boxes, cartons and plastic bottles and leave no loose rubbish next to your bin.

“If you’re out and about, please use the litter bins provided, but if they are full, please take your rubbish home with you and put it in your household bin.

“Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and we are keen to ensure it is removed quickly and those responsible are prosecuted. We’re asking residents to report any fly tipping incidents to us with as much information as possible so we can investigate and take action.

“If the rubbish is on council-owned land then we will schedule its removal as soon as possible. However, if waste has been dumped on private land, it is for the landowner to remove even if it has been dumped illegally.

“We are liaising with local landowners to identify any evidence that may help us to investigate and ask them to clear their land as soon as possible. Criminal action can and will follow where evidence is found, leading to those responsible for dumping waste being prosecuted.”

Issues can be reported online at warrington.gov.uk/report or by calling 443322.