MID Devon District Council has been left “puzzled” by a recent spate of fly-tipping incidents across the region.

Several of the incidents have involved large quantities of textiles being dumped - and the district council is now appealing to residents for help and information in a bid to tackle the problem.

A statement from Mid Devon District Council said: “We're appealing to residents for help to give us information about a spate of fly tipping incidents which have occurred recently across Mid Devon.

“There have been several involving large quantities of textiles being dumped which suggest it could be a commercial operation.

“This has a detrimental effect on the environment and costs us to remove.

“All of these incidents have similarities in that all the waste has been contained in duvet covers, probably for quick removal from a vehicle.”

Councillor Neil Davey, Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “We are puzzled why this material is being dumped as it can easily be put it out for recycling and collected for free, or taken to one of the many textile banks sited across the District.

“Any dumping spoils the environment for us all and costs the local taxpayer to remove.”

The council investigated 554 incidents of fly tipping last year - and the estimated cost of clearance of fly tipping to local authorities in England in 2013/14 was £45.2 million, a 24% increase on 2012/13.

Councillor Davey added: “The Council will always prosecute offenders where sufficient evidence is found.

“Fly tipping is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the penalties for illegally dumping waste are high.”

Fly-tippers can be fined up to £50,000 in Magistrates' Courts and face unlimited fines in higher Courts, as well as prison sentences of up to five years.

In April 2014 an East Devon man appeared in Exeter Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to fly tipping in Mid Devon.

Judge Nichols fined him £600 for committing the offence, he was also ordered to pay £1,546 in costs and a victim surcharge of £60.

If you have any information or you witness fly tipping please contact us on 01884 255255 or email customerfirst@middevon.gov.uk