Probe launched after fly-tippers dump piles of rubbish - including white goods and bathroom suites - in South Tyneside

South Tyneside Council are investigating two incidents of fly-tipping in Hebburn, after a heap of rubbish was abandoned at the Marina last week.

A pile of bricks, rubble and bathroom suites was dumped some time around Sunday, December 1.

It comes after waste, including white goods, was discovered at Waterside Park on Sunday, October 6, with the culprit still not being found.

Now council bosses have accused those responsible of “placing a burden” on the taxpayer and say there is “no excuse” for people not disposing of waste properly.

They have appealed to residents for their help in recording any details of people or vehicles spotted at the scene and reporting it to them.

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: “We are investigating two incidences of fly-tipping, both of which happened in the Hebburn area.

“The first load of dumped waste, consisting of white goods, was discovered at Waterside Park on 6 October. In the second incident, a quantity of bricks, rubble and bathroom suites was tipped at Hebburn Marina around December 1.

“We are following up some positive leads on both but would appeal for anyone with further information to contact us in confidence. We value the role our residents play in bringing these cases to our attention and would appeal for people to take details of any vehicles, and the people involved, so that appropriate action can be taken."

The spokesperson added: “We take fly-tipping extremely seriously and will prosecute anyone we can identify as being responsible.

“It is not only illegal and irresponsible but can also be hazardous to the public and wildlife.

“There are also significant costs involved in clearing and investigating this type of illegal disposal of waste, which places a burden on the finances of the council and ultimately the taxpayer.

“There is no excuse for people not to dispose of their rubbish properly.”

If convicted, fly tipping can lead to a fine of up to £50,000 or six months imprisonment, or both.

To provide information or report an incident of fly-tipping visit: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/33361/Fly-tipping or call the customer contact centre on 0191 427 7000.