CCTV cameras are set to be used at fly tipping hotspots across the borough in a bid to catch people in the act.

Colchester Council is launching a new education and public awareness campaign to warn residents about the potential fines they could face for environmental crimes like dumping waste illegally.

As part of its Better Colchester campaign, the authority is promising environmental offences will not be tolerated across the borough and also introducing a number of targeted measures in a bid to stop fly tippers.

Extra CCTV is set to be used in known problem areas and extra signs will be put up warning of the consequences if fly tippers are caught.

Council bosses have also promised any incidents will be “more robustly investigated” than before and staff will receive further training about the enforcement powers which are available to them.

Residents will be educated on what constitutes fly tipping, with council bosses warning even leaving bulky items in communal bin areas could land people in trouble with the law.

Martin Goss, councillor responsible for waste, environment and transportation, said: “Whether leaving a single refuse bag next to a public bin, bags of goods by charity bins or dumping large items and waste, fly tipping is illegal and a blight on our borough.

“We are going to be taking harder action on those that fly tip and remind everyone that fly tipping is a criminal offence punishable by a fine or prosecution.”

Anyone caught fly-tipping by one of Colchester Council’s neighbourhood wardens, or a residents who can provide enough evidence, will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Fly tipping is also a criminal offence punishable by an unlimited fine or five years in prison if convicted by a crown court.

Residents can report fly-tipping at colchester.gov.uk/report-fly-tipping.