FLY-TIPPERS are being warned that they face a prison sentence if they are caught dumping waste.

Deryck Nash, Cirencester Town Council member for Chesterton ward, said he was disgusted that people think they can dump rubbish wherever they feel like and get away with it.

Fly-tippers have been targeting a passageway in Cricklade Street, as the Standard reported last month, dumping items such as sofas, fridges, mattresses and bags of general household waste.

People living in the street expressed concerns that the rubbish would attract vermin and people working near the site have had problems accessing their workplaces.

Cllr Nash said he spoke to Fosseway Living, which owns the land, when the rubbish had not been removed after two weeks.

"I argued it was their responsibility to get it cleared," said Cllr Nash. "I am disgusted that people can throw litter away and dump it wherever they feel like - it's totally irresponsible."

He added that if Fosseway could not identify the culprits then the housing association should clear up the rubbish.

Fosseway told the Standard that because large, bulky items such as fridge freezers and mattresses needed special handling there had been a delay in getting the area completely cleared.

Annette Homer, head of housing services for Fosseway Living, said: "Whilst an order had been placed separately to remove the mattress and fridge freezer, unfortunately, these were not actually removed until Monday, June 7 and for this we apologise.

"Large, bulky items and items such as fridges have to be disposed of correctly in order to protect the environment."

Fly-tipping carries a fine of up to £50,000 and a five-year prison sentence.

Anyone who witnesses who is responsible for the fly-tipping is asked to call James Trotter at Fosseway in confidence on 0845 050 4034 immediately.