ILLEGAL dumpers and fly-tippers could face £50,000 fines and time behind bars if they are caught in the act.

Local authorities, such as Wycombe District Council, have been handed new powers to punish offenders by the Government, under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.

From Tuesday, June 14, fly-tipping has been categorised as an "arrestable" offence, with extreme cases resulting in up to five years in prison.

John Warder, chairman of the Joint Waste Committee for Buckinghamshire, said: "These new rules are welcomed and will give the partner local authorities more power to tackle the environmental blight of illegal dumping.

"The Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire is committed to tackling illegal dumping and ensuring that residents live in a cleaner and more pleasant environment while at the same time making sure that those who are responsible for illegal dumping are brought before the courts."

The new hard-line approach underpins a wide commitment to tackle fly-tipping, with prosecuting authorities set to come down hard on offenders.

Cases at crown court can now result in an unlimited fine or up to five years imprisonment up from the previous two years. Offenders involved in magistrates' court cases will face a maximum £50,000 fine up from £20,000 or 12 months imprisonment.

A Waste Partnership spokesman added: "These penalties will affect dumping from the refuse sack or bootful scale to the truck load, rather than offences of dropping and leaving litter."

Incidents of illegal dumping can be reported by calling the 24-hour illegal dumping reporting hotline. Call 0845 3301856