RESIDENTS in Darlington have been warned not to pick up rubbish dumped in the street by fly-tippers.

Darlington Borough Council's community wardens, who are responsible for investigating complaints of fly-tipping, has urged householders not to clear up waste themselves.

The warning comes after wardens received a report that hypodermics needles had been dumped in the Neasham Road area of the town.

A resident called the service to complain about the rubbish and told the wardens that he had picked up the needles himself and placed them in a bag.

Antony Sharp, of the Community Wardens Scheme, organised immediate retrieval of the items.

He has urged residents not to handle discarded waste left by fly-tippers in the interests of safety. Mr Sharp said: "We do not recommend residents pick up evidence from bags of rubbish. There are a lot of dangers, especially with hypodermic needles, in doing this.

"It is the warden's job to collect evidence in order to build up case files against offenders. Fly-tipping is a problem throughout the borough and there are particular hot spots in the town.

"If residents find any evidence of fly-tipping, anything that they are concerned about, they should contact the warden service and we will investigate and take further proceedings."

Both Darlington Borough Council and Sedgefield Borough Council have imposed a crackdown on fly-tippers.

Council staff will collect evidence against persistent offenders and anyone caught could face legal action resulting in punishments ranging from a £50 fixed penalty to a £2,500 fine imposed by a court.

Stephen Harker, Darlington council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "Neighbourhood wardens work with our team of environment wardens and have the power to issue on-the-spot fines."

Sedgefield council operates a free monthly collection of up to six household items and rubbish can also be taken to civic amenities sites at Tudhoe Industrial Estate, Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate and Coxhoe.

Anyone who wants to report an incident of fly-tipping can contact Darlington warden service on (01325) 346831 or Sedgefield council on (01388) 816166.