PEOPLE intending to illegally dump their rubbish in north and west Wiltshire have been warned their actions could lead to prosecution.

North and West Wiltshire District Councils are both keen to take anyone found fly tipping in the area to court and have appealed for members of the public to help stamp out the problem.

The councils have asked anyone who sees people dumping unwanted furniture and rubbish by the roadside or in laybys or grassed areas to contact them.

Bob Wright, of West Wiltshire District Council, said: "If we have the evidence we will take people to court. The first thing we do is send people a warning letter, but if we can prove they have illegally dumped their rubbish we are prepared to prosecute. Councils are getting fed up with it."

Mike Pritchard, of North Wiltshire District Council, said it was not just the district councils which can prosecute and covert surveillance is one of the actions being considered by the authorities.

He said: "The police and the Environment Agency can both take action and the police are already putting together a prosecution in north Wiltshire."

People have been asked to keep a look out for anything which could help the councils catch the inconsiderate flytippers who plague the county.

Louise Knox, spokesman for West Wiltshire District Council, said: "We are encouraging people to write down the number of any vehicle they see people dumping rubbish from and contact us.

"We don't expect them, or want them, to tackle the person directly. We need evidence to take further action."

Further information about recycling centres and how to dispose of waste and bulky items can be found on the council's websites at www.westwiltshire.gov.uk for West Wiltshire District Council and www.northwilts.gov.uk for North Wiltshire District Council.

People who wish to report seeing someone dumping rubbish can contact West Wiltshire District Council on (01225) 776655 or North Wiltshire District Council on (01225) 706111.

The Wiltshire Times will pass any details received to the appropriate council.

Both councils run bulky waste collections where for a fee the council will collect large items the dustmen will not take. Circumstances will be taken into account: the councils may be able to collect where people are unable to pay.