PEOPLE caught fly tipping or littering in West Devon will face tough action as part of a new enforcement system introduced by the borough council.

A team of staff has been brought together to deal with the nuisance in a more efficient and cost-effective way.

It follows a recent review of the way complaints about fly tipping and littering are dealt with by the council.

The new system means the council will take a more robust approach to pursuing enforcement action against offenders.

It is hoped this will act as both a deterrent and a way for clean-up costs to be recovered.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, the council's community services chairman, said: 'I welcome this joined up approach to dealing with fly tipping and littering in our beautiful borough.

'It is right and proper that those who dump waste in the countryside or throw rubbish down in the street should face the full force of the law.

'It can cost a lot of money to clear up after these selfish people and that burden should not have to fall on the majority of residents who look after our environment.

'So, fly tippers and litter louts, you have been warned!'

For littering, the borough council will be issuing fixed penalty notices of £75.

If unpaid, the council will take cases to the magistrates court where higher fines can be imposed.

For fly tipping, where cases are generally heard in the magistrates court, considerable fines can be imposed with the possibility of up to five years' imprisonment if the case goes to crown court.

To report incidents of fly tipping or littering, please contact the council on 01822 813600 or email: [email protected]">[email protected]