Hidden cameras will be used to tackle the 600 incidents of fly tipping reported annually to Fenland Council who have failed to prosecute anyone for at least seven years.

“We recognise that fly tipping is a serious problem that costs taxpayers around £75,000 a year,” said a council spokesman.

“We are now going ahead with buying a number of cameras that we will be able to deploy in areas where the problem is particularly acute to increase our chances of catching those responsible in the act.

“In doing so, we do, of course, have to be mindful of the strict legislation governing any form of covert surveillance.”

News that the council is to buy cameras was revealed when officials met MP Steve Barclay.

He said: “The cameras can only be used for targeted surveillance with magistrates’ permission but once in place they can be used to gather vital information about culprits that can be used to prosecute them.”

The MP had questioned the cost of fly-tipping in Fenland after Lynton Webb raised the issue of recurring dumping in Dykemoor Road, Doddington.

Mr Webb claimed he had reported the issue on numerous occasions and had even offered to give evidence against suspected culprits if the council was willing to prosecute.

County and district councillor Dave Connor, who attended last Friday’s meeting with Mr Barclay, said: “We are hoping to roll out this pilot scheme in the whole of Fenland. This is a determined effort to catch people fly-tipping.

“We are looking to become more pro-active to the problem.

“I urge people who see fly tipping to take down registration numbers and speak to myself or council officers. It is unacceptable and we can’t allow it to continue.”