A PILE of rubbish was dumped in a York street - to launch a national campaign against fly-tipping.

The campaign, #CrimeNotToCare, has been kicked-off by Keep Britain Tidy (KBT), whose deputy chief executive, Richard McIlwain, joined Cllrs Jenny Brooks and Andrew Waller along with York’s neighbourhood enforcement team in the city centre on Friday morning.

To get the message across, the enforcement team - which patrols the city to remove and investigate fly-tips - dumped a pile of rubbish, collected around the city in just one hour, in St Sampson’s Square.

The campaign aims to remind residents and businesses that they are required by law to dispose of items in a safe and legal way, or face a significant fine.

Cllr Waller, City of York Council executive member for the environment, said: “We are encouraging people to do the right thing and take responsibility for the environment and the appearance of York.

“Fly-tipping costs the council a great deal to resolve, looks terrible and can harm wildlife.”

The council is especially encouraging people to use only licensed carriers to dispose of waste and large, bulky items.

Licensed carriers hold a certificate from the environment agency and their credentials can be easily checked online.

Cllr Waller said: “We take it very seriously and carry out regular enforcement action to prosecute illegal carriers.

“People don’t realise that they are at risk of getting a criminal record [if fly-tips are traced back to them].”

Mr McIlwain added: “It is a national disgrace - last year over one million incidents of fly-tipping were recorded.

“It is time to get to grips with fly-tippers and this campaign is all about cutting off their supply of waste at source.”

In 2016/17, the council spent £65,087 dealing with 1,518 incidents of fly-tipping, an increase of £11,792 since 2012/13.

Recycling centres are located at Hazel Court and Towthorpe, and free permits for larger vehicles containing household rubbish can be ordered at www.york.gov.uk/HWRCPermits.

There are recycling banks around York and some charities will collect items for free. For advice call 01904 551551.