\n East Suffolk secured one, West Suffolk two, and neither Mid Suffolk nor Babergh brought any offenders to court.\n<\/p>\n
\n Councils did issue 251 warning letters, but campaigners say the figures highlight how much work still needs to be done.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIt makes my blood boil,\u201d said Jason Alexander, Suffolk-based environmental campaigner and ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy.\n<\/p>\n
\n Jason Alexander has spoken out on the fly-tipping in the county (Image: Jason Alexander)\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI see fly-tipping all the time when I\u2019m out litter-picking. It’s frustrating and you see beautiful countryside ruined, sometimes it happens just next to a recycling centre.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n But Mr Alexander also urged people to understand the reasons behind the low prosecution rates.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that councils don\u2019t care,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThey often don\u2019t have enough evidence to bring a case.\n<\/p>\n
\n “There\u2019s a high burden of proof, and pursuing prosecutions can cost more than the fines themselves, at a time when councils are already under huge financial pressure.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Fly-tipping in Doctor Watson’s Lane, Kesgrave (Image: Lucy Taylor)\n<\/p>\n
\n Instead, he said, prevention is key.\n<\/p>\n
\n Keep Britain Tidy\u2019s current campaign urges residents to check that anyone removing waste holds a valid waste carrier licence, to get a receipt, and to report illegal dumping.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cAt the end of the day,\u201d said Mr Alexander, \u201cwe all share responsibility for where we live.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Councillor John Cook, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport at Ipswich Borough Council, said: \u201cThere is a national issue with rubbish being dumped illegally.\n<\/p>\n
\n “In many instances, I believe this is a deliberate act by selfish people who do not care about our community.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We work hard to find out who has created this unpleasant mess and if we find enough evidence, we take enforcement action.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Councillor John Cook spoke on the fly-tipping across the county (Image: Newsquest)\n<\/p>\n
\n Babergh and Mid Suffolk areas reported 388 and 399 incidents during the reporting period, the lowest totals out of the Suffolk boroughs.\n<\/p>\n
\n A spokeswoman on behalf of Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council said: \u201cFly tipping is a criminal offence and one that we take extremely seriously, with our teams always investigating reported incidents before clearance.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n “However, we need sufficient evidence in order for us to take further action.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n “That\u2019s why we urge anyone witnessing fly tipping to make a note of the date and time, the location, type of waste being fly tipped and to report it to their local council as soon as possible.\n<\/p>\n