fly tippers have been warned they face prosecution if they dump rubbish at a tip which closed recently.

Since the former civic amenity site, in Portrack, Stockton, closed last week, the equivalent of a wagon- load of waste has been deposited at the gates.

Stockton Borough Council, which owns the site, is installing security cameras to keep a watch on the area. It has also posted notices threatening legal action against anyone caught illegally dumping rubbish at the site.

Officers from the council and the Environment Agency are following up information to identify those responsible.

Lee Tweddell, waste management officer at the council, said: "There is absolutely no need to leave rubbish at the old site. The new site is only a few minutes' drive away and there are signs giving clear directions to it, together with a warning of prosecution of fly-tippers.

"Our aim is to improve significantly the Portrack site as a local amenity."

The Portrack site has been replaced by the more environmentally-friendly Household Waste Recycling Centre, at Haverton Hill.