MORE than 6,000 fly-tipping incidents were recorded across Cheshire West and Chester last year, new data shows.

A freedom of information request from the Local Democracy Reporting Service reveals that, between April 2020 and March 2021, 6,220 incidents were reported to the council.

It also details the cost of keeping the borough’s streets clean — £3.1 million — although this is used to clean litter and chewing gum, remove fly-posters, wash streets as well as clear up fly-tips.

“Fly-tipping is a selfish, irresponsible and illegal act which acts as a blight on those communities affected by it,” a council spokesperson told the LDRS.

“The cost varies depending on the size and location of the incident. It is fair to say that dealing with fly-tipping is a significant and unnecessary burden on the Council’s finances and ultimately the council taxpayers of Cheshire West and Chester.

“There can never be an excuse for fly-tipping. At a time when there is unprecedented pressure on Council budgets, and the borough is facing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, it is a particularly reprehensible act.”

The spokesperson also called on residents to do their part in reporting fly-tips.

They added: “The council is doing all it can to tackle fly-tipping and when the culprits are identified, we take tough action, including prosecution.

“In the most serious cases, this can lead to a fine of up to £50,000 or a prison sentence.

“However, it is not an issue that the council can resolve in isolation. Everyone in our community has a role to play in tackling fly-tipping.”

As might be expected, the data shows that fly-tipping was more prevalent in the borough’s major towns and city, with Chester seeing 1,006 incidents, Northwich recording 337, Ellesmere Port notched up 389, and Winsford saw 465.

Residents can report incidents through the CWAC’s website.