The number of fly-tips in East Cambridgeshire has fallen to its lowest level since 2017.

Last year 444 tips were recorded. This is a 17 per cent fall on the 535 recorded the previous year and a 40 per cent decline compared to 2021.

It follows the launch of the SCRAP campaign in 2018, which involves a partnership between East Cambridgeshire District Council, the Environment Agency, surrounding local authorities and the police.

In the last year alone, there have been eight fixed penalties relating to fly-tipping and six fixed penalties for litter offences.

In September, Ely ‘man with a van’ Craig Westland who transported household waste without the correct licence that was later found in a lay-by outside Witchford was fined £440 and ordered to pay £654 towards costs and compensation.

Most of the fly-tipping hotspots were in the area of Grunty Fen where council officers worked in partnership with the parish councils at Witchford, Wilburton, Little Thetford and Haddenham to source camera solutions and erect warning signs.

Thanks to this targeted activity, Pools Road near Witchford has seen a 70 per cent decrease in fly-tipping and Pingle Lane near Haddenham a 43 per cent decrease in activity. 

Tipping has also decreased by 15 per cent at Red Fen Road and 11 per cent at Whitecross Road.

Examination of waste located in these areas has also amounted to four penalties given to householders for breaches of the householder duty of care.

Councillor Julia Huffer said: “We are delighted with this seven-year downward trend which is largely attributable to the combined efforts of the SCRAP campaign and the support of local communities.

“The team has been patrolling the affected areas in the hours of darkness and taken part in several multi-agency action days.

“This has been backed up with tougher penalties and greater awareness among residents to dispose of waste responsibly.

“We would like to remind households to refuse the services of any waste collector who cannot prove to you that they are a registered waste carrier and cannot satisfactorily confirm where they are taking the waste to. 

“Do not be tempted by cheap offers, it is cheap for a reason but the fixed penalties are not.

“There is still more to do and in 2024 we will be employing new tactics to stay one step ahead of the tippers. 

“I would also like to thank all the partners involved who tirelessly support our efforts to bring an end to this activity, and to ECSS who clear the wastes reported.”