The Country Land and Business Association says more action needs to be taken to protect farm businesses and rural communities from fly-tipping.

The Suffolk-based association made the statement following the announcement that fly-tipping incidents rose by almost 50,000 last year.

A Government study of local councils in England also reported the total cost of clearing illegally dumped waste was just over £49.5 million, compared to £45.2 million the year before, with the total cost to Cambridgeshire’s local authorities reaching £493,739.

Out of almost 900,000 incidents reported to local councils across the country, 515,000 resulted in action being taken but there were less than 2,000 prosecutions, and

CLA East Regional Director Ben Underwood believes greater action is needed in order to reverse the figures.

“The figures are shocking, but not a surprise,” he said. “We deal with reports and complaints relating to fly-tipping from farmers and landowners on a regular basis. We know it is an enormous problem and one that is not going to go away without a more proactive approach from both councils and central Government.

“We support repeat or large-scale offenders having their vehicles seized and crushed, and on-the-spot fines being issued to those caught in the act of fly-tipping household items or rubbish.

“However, not all local councils are making use of such sanctions and there is a need for them to increase their efforts to deter fly-tipping and to penalise the culprits. The Government also needs to show national leadership and create a framework for action.

“The CLA has put forward proposals for changes to the law and will continue to lobby Government so that it provides better protection and assistance for private property owners.”