THE number of fly-tipping incidents in Warrington decreased in the past year, new figures show.

However, experts are calling on the Government to review sentencing guidelines, introduce bigger fines and ‘even jail professional fly-tippers when they are caught’.

Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show there were 997 fly-tipping incidents in Warrington in the year to March 2023 – a decrease of seven per cent from 1,073 in 2021-22.

This meant there were 4.7 incidents per 1,000 people in the area.

In Warrington, most fly-tipped waste was discovered in back alleyways, accounting for 33 per cent of recorded incidents. This was followed by 19 per cent on council land.

The largest proportion of discarded waste was household waste, making up 65 per cent of all incidents.

In response to the stats, a Warrington Borough Council spokesman said: “The majority of fly-tipped waste is left in back alleys and private residential areas.

“These figures relate from April 2022 to March 2023, when the Environmental Crime Team was able to begin using the fly-tipping intervention grant of £35,000 awarded by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

“Our environmental crime and waste services teams focused on key locations to raise awareness of how residents can help by managing their own waste and bins, to help keep our communities cleaner.

“The team was also able to install cameras around borough to help discourage fly-tipping.

“We also continue to follow up on all reports of fly-tipping, and we welcome the support of the community as our eyes and ears.

“Residents should report issues to us via our website at warrington.gov.uk/fly-tipping.”

Across England, local authorities dealt with slightly fewer incidents in 2022-23 – 1.08 million compared with 1.09 million in 2021-22.

However, environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy warned the number of ‘tipper lorry load’ size or larger incidents has increased by 13 per cent.

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “It is time for the public and our justice system to say enough is enough and tackle the selfish vandals who are trashing our environment for profit.

“The public can play their part by ensuring that they only give their unwanted stuff to reputable, licensed waste carriers who will dispose of it correctly.

“The courts must help by using the considerable sentencing powers they have to order hefty fines and even jail professional fly-tippers when they are caught.

“Environmental crime is not a victimless crime – we are all victims of it.”

The number of fixed penalty notices issued across the country fell from 91,000 in 2021-22 to 73,000 in 2022-23, with 13 in Warrington.

While the average court fine increased by 13 per cent to £526, there were fewer fines given last year, with a total value of £785,000 compared to £837,000 in the year before.

In Warrington, £1,170 was paid by those found guilty of fly-tipping.

Darren Rodwell, environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: “Fly-tipping is inexcusable.

“It is not only an eyesore for residents, but a serious public health risk, creating pollution and attracting rats and other vermin.

“This decrease in fly-tipping is positive, and a testament to the hard work of councils.

“We continue to urge the Government to review sentencing guidelines for fly-tipping, so that offenders are given bigger fines for more serious offences to act as a deterrent.

“Manufacturers should also contribute to the costs to councils of clear up, by providing more take-back services so people can hand in old furniture and mattresses when they buy new ones.”

Recycling minister Robbie Moore added: “Fly-tipped rubbish is a blight on the landscape, and a burden on councils to clean up – so it is absolutely right for councils to take strong action whenever a crime is committed.

“We are making solid progress – with enforcement up by six per cent and fly-tipping decreasing for the second year in a row – but we know there is more to do.

“That is why we are helping councils to take the fight to criminals, with additional grants to tackle fly-tipping, higher £1,000 on-the-spot fines for offenders and powers to stop, search and seize vehicles suspected of being used for fly-tipping.”