MICHAEL DUGHER has urged Barnsley Council to use new enforcement powers to help tackle the fly-tipping issue sweeping the borough.
The MP for Barnsley East is concerned that fly-tipping is a growing problem across the town.
Over the last five years, recorded incidents of fly-tipping in Barnsley have soared from 1654 in 2010-2011 to 3057 in 2014-2015 – meaning fly-tipping has nearly doubled.
Nationally, recorded incidents only went up by 10 per cent, meaning the Barnsley figures are much worse than the national average.
But under new rules that came into force in May, the council will now be able to issue fixed-penalty notices to punish perpetrators for small-scale fly-tipping. The notices range between £150 and £400.
The change in legislation means that Barnsley Council can issue more fines and raise more money from them.
Mr Dugher said: "Fly-tipping is an appalling and growing problem in Barnsley.
"Fly-tipping is not only an eyesore, spoiling our green spaces, but it can also cause real harm to public health and pose serious dangers to people and wild life in the Borough.
“I know how seriously Barnsley Council takes this issue and I am confident they will do everything in their power to combat fly-tipping in our Borough.
“With the new rules in place, the council now has another weapon in its armoury to tackle fly-tipping. Fixed penalty notices should be a strong deterrent and I hope they are used to punish offenders. I would also urge residents to report people."
