FLYTIPPERS and other environmental criminals in Bromsgrove are being warned to "expect trouble" after enforcement was stepped up there.

More enforcement staff, as well as intelligence experts from Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS), are active in the district to help catch the criminals who dump their waste, after Bromsgrove District councillors approved a funding boost for the service.

Special deployable CCTV cameras are also recording in multiple locations across the district, and brand-new online reporting tools have made it easier than ever for residents to provide information that could lead to fines and prosecutions.

 Fly tips were reported in 417 locations across Bromsgrove District last year, and the district council spends over £1m a year clearing up local streets.

Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for environmental services and community safety, councillor Peter Whittaker, said: “Most people dispose of their waste properly and responsibly and ensure they’re not creating nasty problems for everyone else, for example by ensuring the person taking away their waste is a properly registered waste carrier.

"It’s not hard. But there’s a tiny minority who either don’t know or don’t care about the impact dumping unwanted items has on a community.

"Imagine what our staff could be doing to actually improve our neighbourhoods, instead of being forced to spend their time clearing up illegally dumped rubbish.”

Councillors agreed a £29k boost to the authority’s existing enviro-crime enforcement capacity from 2024-25, as part of wider enforcement improvements at the authority which included an extra £149k to deal with unauthorised developments through planning enforcement.

Councillor Whittaker added: “The considerable professional skill and expertise of WRS in enforcement matters will benefit residents, improve justice, and deter criminals, helping to keep our communities safe, well maintained, and green.”

To report a problem in your street scene go to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk and hit the Report it button, or search for Bromsgrove District Council on the App Store or Play Store to find the district council’s new reporting app.