Northumberland County Council is ramping up its crackdown on fly tipping.

The council has pledged to come down hard on those who are caught committing the environmental and anti-social crime.

Over the last year the council has been working with community partners to tackle the issue.

Increased CCTV coverage has been deployed to identify perpetrators, with fines increasing to hit culprits financially.

Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, cabinet member with responsibility for Looking After Our Communities said: "Although rates in Northumberland are one of the lowest in the region there are still a couple of tipping hotspots identified and as a council, we are absolutely determined to win this battle and ensure our beautiful county remains unspoilt."

In a bid to improve waste management, the council invested in 40 new bin compounds in the Hirst area in Ashington.

Residents are also urged to avoid fraudsters posing as valid waste collectors, who will then dispose of the waste illegally.

Councillor Stewart said: "Our message is loud and clear – if you have lots of rubbish to remove, make sure the waste carrier you employ has a license and do not trust a 'white van man' offering to get rid of your rubbish on the cheap."