Fly-tipped waste is discovered in High Wycombe three times a day on average, figures reveal.

Data shows that 988 fly-tipping incidents were reported to Wycombe District Council last year – 194 more than the previous year.

Dumped waste was found on Wycombe's roads and pavements 529 times whilst 329 discoveries were made on footpaths and bridleways.

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Wycombe District Council prosecuted 12 incidents in court, at a cost of £11,704.

Such action resulted in 11 fines, totalling £13,922, being handed to offenders.

The Local Government Association warned that the offence costs taxpayers almost £50 million a year to clear up.

Across Wycombe, small van loads of waste were dumped illegally on 370 occasions – 37% of all reports.

A further 16 incidents saw fly-tippers discard enough rubbish to fill a tipper lorry each, costing the council £5,600 to clear.

There was also one incident which required multiple loads to clear, at a cost of £360.

Fly-tipping in Wycombe. Photo by @BucksFlytipping

Fly-tipping in Wycombe. Photo by @BucksFlytipping

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David Renard, environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: “Fly-tipping is inexcusable.

"It is not only an eyesore for residents, but a serious public health risk, creating pollution and attracting rats and other vermin.

“We continue to urge the Government to review sentencing guidelines for fly-tipping, so that offenders are given bigger fines for more serious offences to act as a deterrent."

Environmental Charity Keep Britain Tidy says the crime is being driven by conmen who offer to remove household rubbish for a fee but do not dispose of it correctly.

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “This environmental crime is being driven by ‘man with a van’ operators who are conning the public with what appears to

be a cheap way of getting rid of their rubbish, but one that leads to illegal disposal and environmental devastation.

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“Tragically, some businesses that hold a waste carrier licence are breaking the law and fly-tipping the rubbish that households pay them to remove.

“This must stop. We believe the only way to prevent further law-breaking is to fundamentally reform the system.

"We need tests and hurdles to ensure waste carriers are legitimate and accountable.

"Licences should be difficult to get, thoroughly checked and essential to carry out door-to-door waste collection."