RESIDENTS are being urged to do their bit to help prevent fly-tipping and avoid possible prosecution by checking the credentials of businesses offering to remove waste from their properties.

From June to November this year, 949 fly-tipping incidents were reported across Wiltshire, averaging 160 a month.

Wiltshire Council enforcement officers have issued 92 warning letters, 117 statutory notices, 48 fixed penalty notices and carried out 24 prosecutions.

Rogue traders often dump construction and garden waste on the highway rather than pay business rates to have it disposed of properly.

Householders are legally obliged to check that whoever they give their waste to is authorised to collect, carry and dispose of it lawfully.

For more information and to check if someone is a registered waste carrier, visit www.gov.uk/find-registered-waste-carrier, email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk