ACTION will be taken against fly-tippers in Wiltshire, thanks to new powers granted to local authorities.

A discarded bed and various other items were left on Westonbirt Road just outside of Sherston last week and Wiltshire Council insist they now have the power to punish those responsible.

Following recent changes to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities in England are now able to issue fixed penalty notices (FPN) for fly-tipping offences.

A 31-year-old man from Salisbury became the first person in Wiltshire to receive such a punishment for fly-tipping last month after being fined £400 for the offence.

Philip Whitehead, cabinet member for highways, said fly-tipping is a “significant blight” on the local environment and a “danger to public health”.

He continued: “Fly-tipping is a drain on the council's precious resources.

“It undermines legitimate waste businesses as unscrupulous operators can undercut those operating within the law.

“This new FPN will be a significant additional tool available to us in combating this illegal activity.”

Malmesbury Town Council member Cllr Kim Power said fly-tipping is “totally unnecessary” and urged residents to avoid littering in general.

“The budget for getting rid of litter in Wiltshire is £2.5m per year,” she said.

“Apart from the effect on our wildlife and countryside, we as tax payers have to pay for this.”

“I understand that if there are any addresses or information to point to who dumped it, then Wiltshire Council will follow through if possible.”

For more information on how to report incidents of fly-tipping, visit wiltshire.gov.uk