A HOTLINE has been set up to allow the speedy reporting of the activities of illegal fly tippers in County Durham.

The dedicated phone line has been launched for the use of anyone who witnesses unscrupulous operators illegally dumping waste and rubbish in the county.

It is available during office hours and all calls will be treated in confidence.

Brian Myers, the county council cabinet member for waste management, said: "Illegal fly tipping at roadsides and quiet country lanes costs the county council, and the council tax payer, about £250,000 a year to clear up and dispose of the mess."

"Now people can call the hotline number if they see someone fly tipping in the county.

"If possible, they should make a note of the time, the date, the place and the registration number of any vehicle being used and a description of the people involved, to help us track them down."

The hotline is jointly operated by the county council in partnership with the Environment Agency and five of the county's seven district councils, Chester-le-Street, Derwentside, Durham, Sedgefield and Wear Valley. It is backed by a fly tipping 'detective.' an officer employed to track down offenders from the rubbish that is dumped.

Anyone with knowledge of illegally tipped rubbish is asked to notify their respective district council to request adequate disposal.

The hotline is part of a drive by the county council, which has also seen a permit scheme introduced at its household waste recycling centres. Drivers of all vans, pick-ups and trailers now need a permit to access sites, although family saloons and estate cars, including four-wheel drive vehicles, are exempt from the permit system.

Permits were brought in after it was found up to 15 per cent of all items taken to compounds was trade and commercial waste.

If left unchecked it could cost the county council £1m in extra site management costs this year, the equivalent of about £4 per household round the county.

The hotline for reporting illegal dumping is (0191) 383 5595.