People who are fly-tipping their rubbish during the coronavirus crisis are being warned they will be prosecuted if they are caught.

While the pandemic means the country is under lockdown, Calderdale Council’s recycling centres are closed in line with national guidance on non-essential travel.

Members of the public and council staff are reporting increased incidents of fly-tipping in different parts of the borough, including one at Jayhouse Lane, Brighouse.

But the council’s Community Protection Team are partnering West Yorkshire Police patrolling Calderdale and those tipping illegally are being told action will be taken against anyone caught.

The council warns fly-tipping of any waste is a serious criminal offence that carries a fine of £50,000 or up to five years in prison.

Man fined after truck was used to dump waste on Norbury Road

On social media the Community Protection Team have reported a case at Jayhouse Lane, Clifton, Brighouse, while members of the public have reported incidents including at Old Lane, Halifax, which is close to the town’s recycling station, and one, who has reported an incident at Thornhills Beck Lane, Brighouse, added that fly-tipping carried its own danger if it might have come from a home of someone who has been infected with coronavirus.

Liberal Democrat group leader on the council, Coun James Baker (Warley), has also expressed concerns about a related issue: “We are hearing reports of some households struggling with the extra waste that is being generated from having to stay in at doors.

“This is particularly an issue for larger families at a time when the household waste tips are closed.”

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, Coun Susan Press, said all the household recycling centres across the borough had been closed in line with Government guidance to avoid all non-essential travel.

“We understand that closing these centres may be inconvenient, especially as many people are taking the opportunity to have a spring clear out, but the safety of both our staff and customers is paramount.

“Fly tipping will not be tolerated at any time in Calderdale.

“It is a serious crime and all instances of fly tipping will be investigated further – we won’t hesitate to prosecute those responsible.

“If any fly tipping is witnessed, we encourage residents to report it, with as much information as possible about the culprits,” she said.

This can be done at www.calderdale.gov.uk/doitonline

Councillor Press (Lab, Todmorden) said the council was asking people to please store bulky waste until we can resume the service, or if urgent, consider hiring a private skip or professional waste carrier if available.

“If hiring a professional, it is essential that you check that they are a registered waste carrier.

“Ask to see their licence before you agree to hand over your waste.

“If you don’t and your waste ends up fly tipped, you could face a big fine,” she said.

Calderdale is not the only area to be hit with some neighbouring authorities also highlighting the problem.

And the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has said that the closure of tips “does not excuse” dumping waste on private land and roadsides and says it raises specific problems for landowners.

CLA Director for the North, Dorothy Fairburn, said: “It is shocking to hear reports of fly-tipping incidents especially at this time of lock-down.

“The closure of tips is understandable, but can’t be used as an excuse to dump rubbish in our countryside.

“Local authorities don’t usually get involved with clearing incidences of fly-tipped waste from private land leaving the landowner cleaning up and footing the bill, and if not, they risk prosecution for illegal storage of waste. This is simply not right or fair.”