Formal action taken against fly-tippers in Shropshire has soared by 125 per cent in just six months, latest figures have revealed.

But no-one has yet been brought to court for their actions and fly-tipping incidents between April and September this year have increased by five per cent on the same period in 2008. The data has come to light following an inquiry made by Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski with the authority.

The Tory MP raised the issue with the council’s environmental health department about the number of fly-tipping incidents and the enforcement actions undertaken by officers.

In a reply, Tim Sneddon, head of Environmental Maintenance at the authority, said that between April and September last year there had been 649 fly-tipping incidents but for the same period this year the figure has risen to 679.

“However, investigations following the gathering of evidence has increased by 20 per cent, and formal actions increased by 125 per cent,” Mr Sneddon said.

“Three fly-tipping investigations are still active and one fly-tip has resulted in the investigation officer passing intelligence to other councils and carrying out a DVLA check to identify ownership of the vehicle and driver.”

He added: “In the south of the county the Street Scene manager has worked with the Environmental Agency to investigate fly-tipping which is occurring on private land.

“Completed investigations to date have not been able to gather sufficient evidence to take a case to court, but we use all available techniques, including covert surveillance where appropriate, to try and catch those perpetrating these crimes.”

Mr Sneddon said following the move to a unitary council the structure had changed to included new posts with specific responsibility for investigating and prosecuting fly-tipping incidents.

He said now training had been completed the authority would be able to redouble its efforts on the war against fly-tipping.

Mr Sneddon said: “While it is frustrating that we have been unable to get a case to court yet, I can assure you we do make every effort to and that as soon we are in a position to do so we will not hesitate in instigating a prosecution.

“Shropshire Council takes fly-tipping seriously.”