SHOCKING new figures have shown the scale of fly-tipping in the region – with dozens of cases reported a day.

Figures published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs found waste is discovered in County Durham 17 times a day on average.

More than 6,000 fly-tipping incidents were reported to Durham County Council in 2019-20, however this is 1,144 fewer than the previous year.

The Local Government Association warned that the offence costs taxpayers almost £50 million a year to clear up.

Durham County Council have said the issue remains a priority.

Ian Hoult, the council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “Durham is a beautiful place to live, work or play and we are aware that our communities remain concerned about fly-tipping and addressing this remains a priority.

“As the largest council in the North-East we have seen a fall in fly-tipping in each of the last four financial years following the introduction of Operation Stop It.

“We have invested in neighbourhood wardens and now have officers dedicated to tackling fly-tipping, which this year has resulted in an increased number of vehicles seized, more Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) being issued and more prosecutions going to court, although there is currently a backlog with court cases due to coronavirus.

“We have expanded the use of sanctions and after some promotion we will be also introducing Fixed Penalty Notices for householder duty of care.

“Our aim is to educate residents, trades people and businesses on their waste ‘Duty of Care’ in correct waste disposal and enforce against those who dump waste illegally.

“There really is no excuse not to dispose of your waste properly.”

In Darlington, the data showed discarded waste is discovered eight times a day on average.

Darlington Borough Council received reports of 2,838 fly tipping incidents in 2019-20 – 168 fewer than the previous year.

Dumped items were found in Darlington’s back alleyways 1,348 times accounting for 47 per cent of incidents, 345 discoveries were made on footpaths and bridleways and 297 times on roads and pavements.

Fly-tipped rubbish can include household waste, white goods and construction waste.

Environmental Charity Keep Britain Tidy says the crime is being driven by conmen who offer to remove household rubbish for a fee but do not dispose of it correctly.

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council said: “Fly-tipping is a problem across the country and Darlington is no exception Both Street Scene and our Civic Enforcement Officers work hard to reduce fly tipping and respond to incidents across the borough and where evidence is found in the waste we will take action to prosecute the individual or company.

“We have recently seized and destroyed a vehicle connected to fly-tipping and have several cases ready to go to court. We are also investing in mobile CCTV and currently have them deployed at various locations across the town to build strong evidence to prosecute those who continue to destroy our communities.

“If any member of the public has any information on fly-tipping please tell us about it using our online form at darlington.gov.uk/reportit call us on 01325-405111 or email customerservices@darlington.gov.uk.”

In North-Yorkshire, more than 350 reports were made in Hambleton and 150 recorded crimes in Richmondshire last year.

Hambleton District Council took action over 507 fly-tipping offences in 2019-20 while Richmondshire District Council took action over 94 fly-tipping offences.