Council chiefs have re-inforced their commitment to take action against flytippers after figures revealed clearance costs borough-wide amounted to £135,680.

New Government statistics showed there were 3,061 fly-tipping incidents in Bury during 2014-15.

According to the CLA (Country, Land and Business Association) , the overall cost of clearing up after fly-tippers is much higher, as the figures do not include any incidents on private land, which farmers and landowners are legally obliged to clear and pay for themselves.

The CLA is now calling for local authorities to be more proactive when it comes to dealing with the fly-tipping problem.

A Bury Council spokesman said: “Fly-tipping is a disgrace, and those who do it should be ashamed of themselves. Not only does it turn our environment into an eyesore, and create a health hazard, but it is grossly unfair on council tax payers, who ultimately have to foot the bill for clearing up this waste.

"We will take enforcement action against perpetrators wherever we can, but we do rely on evidence being provided to us.

"We would urge residents and businesses to ensure they use licensed waste contractors so they can be confident the waste is disposed of properly. It is important that anyone who witnesses fly-tipping gives us as much detail as they can to help us tackle this scourge.”