A FLY-TIPPING epidemic has been predicted as councillors backed plans to charge for removing bulky rubbish such as old furniture and fridges.

Councillor Jane Parlour said a large heap of rubbish on a disused road at Dalton-on-Tees, near Darlington, gave an idea of what would happen when the new fees were levied from April 1.

Although Richmondshire District Council approved the introduction of the £15 charge, some members continued to resist the move.

Coun Parlour told a meeting of the council on Tuesday: "People will simply fly-tip what they don't want any more to avoid paying the £15 charge."

Clearing up the resulting rubbish could cost the council more than it made from the new fees, she said.

Councillor Richard Dunn said the authority had been urged by the District Auditor to maximise its opportunities, and the new fee reflected that.

There was also concern that dumping old fridges and freezers would endanger health and could be a death trap for inquisitive children.