FIGURES have revealed the number of fly-tips in the Braintree district has decreased over the past three years.

Braintree Council says it received 856 reports of fly-tipping in 2020-2021, down 56 from the 912 reports received the previous year.

So far in 2021-22, there have been 525 reported fly-tipping incidents, which is projected to reach 788 at the end of the period, down for the second year in a row.

Over the past three years, Braintree Council says it investigated more than 1,550 reports of fly-tipping, but it issued just 40 fixed penalty notices and prosecuted 27 cases.

In one court case back in 2020, an offender who pleaded guilty for fly-tipping was ordered to pay more than £1,300 in fines, a victim surcharge and council costs.

Braintree Council says it takes a proactive approach to fly-tipping, investigating all reports, removing illegal dumps within one working day, and issuing fixed penalty notices or prosecuting where possible.

The council also uses CCTV at known fly tipping hot spots to try to deter offenders which has also been complemented by some parish councils buying their own cameras.

Last year the council also called on the Sentencing Council to consider tougher fines and sentences for fly-tippers.

Braintree Council environment boss Wendy Schmitt said: “It is fantastic to see the rate of fly-tipping in the Braintree district decreasing and I would like to thank our staff and our communities for playing their part in this reduction.

“We will continue to take a robust enforcement approach where there is clear evidence of who the perpetrator is and investigating every report we receive to deter this despicable crime.

“We would ask everyone to be vigilant and if they see a fly tipping incident, please report it to Braintree District Council so we can continue investigate and take action against those who have no respect for the environment.”