FLY-TIPPING in Ryedale has risen by 17 per cent over the past year.

Figures from Ryedale District Council reveal that there were 103 reported incidents of fly-tipping from 2007 to 2008, compared with 88 from 2006 to 2007.

Nicki Lishman, the council’s operation support officer, said: “We are looking at improving our enforcement systems over the next few months.

“It is always difficult to track down fly-tipping offenders unless there is a witness, or evidence among the rubbish.

“Fly-tipping can cause environmental damage, and the tax payer has to shoulder the cost of removing it.

“It is also thoughtless. It always amuses us how far offenders will travel to dump their rubbish, when there is often a refuse tip much closer to home.

“These facilities don’t charge for disposing of waste from people’s homes, so there is no reason not to use them.”

In the Yorkshire and Humber region, local authorities dealt with 108,500 incidents of fly-tipping last year.

This cost the tax payer £6.9 million, and 68 per cent of the dumped rubbish was household waste.

Across England, things have been improving, and incidents of fly-tipping have gone down by 7.5 per cent.

A spokesman for the Ryedale Ramblers’ Association said: “We have seen dumped rubbish while we have been out on long walks, and I don’t think people should do it.

“It is unsightly, it’s not natural and it’s bad for the environment.

“Sometimes people drive miles to dump it and I don’t know why they just don’t go to the tip.”

The Countryside Alliance’s regional director Richard Dodd explained that fly-tippers were risking time in prison.

He said: “Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime.

“Most people fly-tip to avoid paying the disposal fee or landfill tax, but councils are serious about stopping the thoughtless criminals that fly-tip.

“The penalties can be anything up to a £50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or worse if the case goes to crown court.”

What to do if you find some fly-tipping

Ryedale District Council has the following advice for anyone who sees fly-tippers in action, or comes across dumped rubbish.

* Stand up-wind of the waste to avoid any possible fumes, have a good look at it, and note what type of rubbish it is and whether it is near any water sources.

* Record the date and time and whether you were with anyone.

* Do not touch the waste, as it might be hazardous.

* Do not disturb the site, as the rubbish might provide evidence which could be used to catch the culprits.

* Call Ryedale District Council on 01653 600666 or contact the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.