LAZY fly-tippers are ‘ripping off’ taxpayers by dumping white goods, building waste and tyres on land on the Somerset Levels.

Beer Drove, near Middlezoy, has been described as a “beautiful wildlife area”, has been blighted by the illegal dumping of waste for around two years.

Now the public is being urged to be vigilant and report suspected offenders so the land can be left unspoilt for everybody to enjoy.

South Somerset District Council said it is aware that Beer Drove is "sadly a hotspot for flytipping" and react to reports received by members of the public.

Chard & Ilminster News:

A spokesman for South Somerset District Council, which has Beer Drove within its boundary, said: “While fly-tipping in South Somerset, with its many miles of quiet back lanes, remains a tough crime to prevent, detect or convict, the council remains determined to work with the public, businesses and responsible agencies to deter those who blight our beautiful countryside and rip us all off by dumping waste at a cost to the taxpayer to clear.

“Everyone can fight fly-tipping, from taking responsibility for your waste to helping catch offenders. Every individual and business has a duty of care over their waste, even after it has left their home or premises, and failure to take reasonable steps to do this risks prosecution and a £5,000 fine. If you see an incident of fly-tipping taking place, please report it online or call us.”

Chard & Ilminster News:

The latest incident of fly tipping at Beer Drove, Seven Bends, includes building waste but Roz Brennan, from Bridgwater, said she reported fly-tipping in the same area last year when she found white goods, tyres, wood and even a mattress.

Describing the pictures, she said: “This is going across the levels and a beautiful wildlife area.

“This has been happening there for at least a couple of years repeatedly. Building materials, garden waste, household waste, tyres and appliances. I continuously report it but other than sit there and wait how do you catch them?”

Chard & Ilminster News:

Sedgemoor District Council states: “Fly-tipping is a crime punishable by fine or imprisonment, a blot on the lovely local landscape and a potential threat to human health and that of wildlife and domesticated animals through injury or by polluting the environment.

“The council also has the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £400 to anyone responsible for fly tipping. Where waste is dumped from vehicles, the person controlling the use of the vehicle can be prosecuted, even if the driver is not identified.

"The police have the power to seize vehicles used for fly tipping, while those profiting from crime can have cash, property and other assets seized.”

Call South Somerset District Council on 01935 462462 or Sedgemoor District Council on 0300 303 7800 to report fly tipping immediately.