COUNCIL officials have issued a warning about fly-tipping following the successful prosecution of a Teesside man.

Hartlepool Borough Council has vowed to use all its powers against people who disregard the law.

The warning comes after Brian Bradley, 40, of Durham Street, on the Hartlepool Headland, appeared before the town's magistrates for breaching the Environmental Protection Act.

The court heard how unemployed Bradley was the registered keeper of a tipper truck used to dump a large quantity of building waste, timber and plastic guttering on land to the rear of Bruntoft Avenue, West View, in February.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay clean-up costs of £383 and court costs of £200 on Monday.

Environmental enforcement manager Ian Burton said the prosecution reflected the council's determination to clamp down.

He said: "We have remotely-controlled CCTV cameras, we carry out random stop, search and seize operations on vehicles carrying waste and we have enforcement officers working across the town."

He added: "Local residents also have a vital role to play as our eyes and ears, and people regularly tell us that they are sick of fly-tippers who ruin the local environment and would be willing to give evidence in court.

"Where we do have sufficient evidence to take someone to court, we can - quite apart from any fine that is imposed - apply for the confiscation of a vehicle used in fly-tipping.

"My advice would be to ensure you are legal by registering with the Environment Agency to transport controlled waste."

Mr Burton said householders also have responsibilities when it comes to disposing of waste, including televisions and fridges.

"They must take reasonable steps to ensure that all waste goes to a bona fide person. Failure to take reasonable steps could leave a person open to prosecution," he said.