PEOPLE who illegally dump tyres on Teesside are to be prosecuted as part of a crackdown on what is becoming an increasing problem

Hartlepool Borough Council has stepped up patrols around the town and is paying particular attention to known fly-tipping hot spots.

It wants to protect the local environment and is also keen to cut the £12,000 spent every year to properly dispose of discarded tyres and other rubbish.

The clampdown is being spearheaded by the council's environmental action team, which intends to prosecute offenders.

Environmental action manager Craig Thelwell said: "We are carrying out patrols around the town to try to catch the dumpers but we also need members of the public to act as our eyes and ears and report suspicious activity to us.

"We need help to gather evidence of the dumpers' activities if we are to have a realistic chance of successfully prosecuting them."

It can cost between £1 and £1.50 to properly dispose of a car tyre at an approved waste disposal site but that charge can rise to as much as £25 in the case of a larger lorry tyre.

Mr Thelwell added: "In some cases, up to 50 tyres have been dumped in one go which suggests an industrial source.

"Most local companies accept their waste disposal responsibilities, but if we discover any to be cutting corners and illegally dumping tyres then we won't hesitate to take action."

He added: "Dumped tyres are a blight on the environment but they can also pose a serious safety hazard.

"They often end up being set alight, resulting in the release of toxic fumes."

Anyone with information about the dumping of tyres or any other fly-tipping can contact Hartlepool's environmental action team on (01429) 523333.