FLYTIPPERS have been caught travelling hundreds of miles to illegally dump waste in Somerset.

A 'sting involving Mendip District Council and Avon and Somerset Police saw two vehicles from the London and Brighton area leaving their loads in Oldford Hill, Frome.

It was part of a stop and search operation that saw officials checking 27 carriers of controlled waste.

Most generally complied with waste regulations, but a fifth of the transporters pulled-over were unable to furnish documents and are now subject to further enquiries and a potential £300 fixed penalty notice - including the rogues operators from London and Brighton.

A spokesperson for Mendip District Council said people who manage waste illegally cost the taxpayer millions every year in clean-ups, in addition to having a devastating impact on wildlife and the environment. They undercut legitimate businesses, pose a direct threat to sustainable business growth in waste management, and take valuable resource from the public sector.

The joint enforcement exercises are set to continue to ensure the right waste goes to the right place.

In addition to the crackdown, the local authority and police are committed to educating householders and commercial businesses to ensure they understand the 'legal duty of care' regarding the correct disposal of the waste they produce.

Cllr Heather Shearer, portfolio holder for community health at Mendip District Council, said: "Fly-tippers don't care about the environment or our communities. But residents do, and so does your council. That's why working together is the smartest way possible to tackle the problem.

"The joint operation in Frome is a great example of a multi-agency working to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.

"Waste crime is a key priority for us. I'm keen that this will act as a platform for future operations and initiatives and I am very grateful to colleagues in Avon and Somerset Constabulary for assisting us in this crucial work."

Cllr Shearer added: "Actions to reduce such environmental crime and pollution have a positive effect on those blighted by the menace of fly-tipping. Cleaning-up our communities will improve the local environment, ease frustrations and enhance the health and wellbeing of people living there."

Fly tipping is illegal and the council will look to take enforcement action wherever possible. If you spot a flytipping incident, report it to the council via its customer service team on 0300 3038588 or the authority's website.