The borough council says people dumping unsightly, anti-social and potentially dangerous rubbish has already left a clear-up bill of £57,000.

It is now appealing for the community to help catch those who flout the law so they can be prosecuted.

Much of the fly-tipping rubbish found is household waste, says the council.

Councillor Terry Mills, executive member for public and environmental services, said: "Dumping rubbish is unsightly and can pose a very real health risk to people, especially children, pets and wildlife - something we cannot tolerate.

"The public's help is invaluable in catching these criminals and we urge people to be aware of what's going on around them and report incidences or suspicions of perpetrators to us, in confidence."