JUST one prosecution was secured by the council in its war on fly-tipping in 2016/17, new government figures show.

Data released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs summarises the number and type of incidents of illegally dumped waste in the last financial year, along with the cost of dealing with incidents and the actions taken against fly tipping.

Figures for Barnsley show action was taken in 299 fly-tipping cases out of a total 4,328 incidents that were logged by the council. Of those cases, 278 were investigated, costing the public purse £9,174.

There was only one prosecution out of the thousands of incidents dealt with, which resulted in a fine being issued for £981. Other action included 20 warning letters being sent out, costing £660.

The council failed to dish out any fixed penalty notices or formal cautions.

The most common dumping ground for waste was on highways, followed by council land and back alleyways. Not surprisingly household waste tipped the scales as the most frequent type disposed of illegally, along with ‘black bag’ waste and white goods.

Others included green waste, electrical items, asbestos, clinical waste and construction or demolition rubble.

Taxpayers picked up the bill for clearance costs for that period, which was £238,224.

Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesman, said nationally and locally, flytipping remains a major problem for councils to deal with, costing the tax payer thousands of pounds which could be spent on other services.

“We‘re determined to reverse the trend here in Barnsley with our #EverybodyThink campaign we’re asking people to think carefully about how and where they get rid of unwanted items and rubbish.

“If you can’t get to one of the household waste recycling centres, you can use the council’s large item collection service.

“If you ask someone else to remove your waste, always ask to see their waste carrier’s licence, even if you’re paying them or you could be prosecuted and fined.

“There is no excuse for fly tipping. A minority of people still think that such behaviour is acceptable, and we’re watching them closely.

“We’re sharing video clips from our covert CCTV cameras, and in some cases, we need people to watch carefully and come forward with any information they may have. Achieving successful prosecutions isn’t always easy, but whenever we can we will find those responsible and recover as much of the cost as possible.”