'Crime scene tape' used to highlight fly-tipping

Fake crime scene tape is being used to highlight how fly-tipping is "damaging streets and polluting shared spaces", a council has said.

A photo has been posted on social media by West Northamptonshire Council of the yellow tape wrapped around large piles of rubbish, including a mattress and an office chair, after they were dumped in Blackthorn, Northampton.

The area is part of a pilot to raise awareness and tackle the problem - and the campaign could be rolled out to other areas if successful.

The council said fly-tipping would not be "tolerated" and the tape was being used to show hotspots where there were a great deal of abandoned items.

The council said it hoped the campaign would encourage residents in Blackthorn to "take a stand against fly-tipping and show pride in their neighbourhood".

The scheme is being carried out in partnership with waste contractor Veolia.

Extra patrols and targeted enforcement will be taking place, with Blackthorn chosen for the pilot as it experiences high levels of fly-tipping, according to the council.

Reform UK councillor Nigel Stansfield, cabinet member for environment, recycling and waste, said: "Dumping things in the street is unacceptable and we want to make sure everyone knows that.

"It spoils neighbourhoods and puts unfair costs on everyone.

"We're taking action, but we also need everyone to play their part by disposing of waste responsibly and reporting incidents when they see them."

He thanked Northants Litter Wombles for their help and support.

Andrew Reidy, from Veolia, said: "Our street cleansing teams already work hard to clear fly-tips, and by combining their efforts with a behaviour change campaign, we hope to see clearer streets for everyone to enjoy."

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