CRAVEN council has reissued its warning to fly-tippers after walkers found dumped furniture in the Dales.

A couple of sofas were found at the side of the road between Cracoe and Thorpe at the weekend - just days after a large number of computer keyboards were found near Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

Earlier this year, a fly-tipper caught dumping in Craven was fined £1,320 by magistrates, and offenders can face fines of up to £50,000 and a year in prison, the council has warned.

Paul Ellis, director of services at Craven District Council, said: “We know residents are appalled by this destruction of our beautiful countryside and we are determined to crack down on those who break the law in this way.

“Businesses have a legal responsibility to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner."

He added: “Any waste that comes from a commercial activity is business waste and companies must complete a waste transfer note for each load of waste that leaves their premises, check if their waste carrier is registered to dispose of waste, and not allow the waste carrier to dispose of their waste illegally."

Residents can dispose of old furniture, fridges, freezers, cookers and all manner of household items free of charge at North Yorkshire County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres in Skipton and Settle.

“There really is no excuse for people to dump waste illegally and spoil the environment for the rest of us," said Mr Ellis.

The council launched its Operation: Cleaner Craven’ campaign two years ago in an attempt to tackle fly-tipping, dog fouling, littering, smoking in smoke free places, stray dogs and abandoned vehicles.

The council has a dedicated fly-tipping team and work to tackle fly-tipping, which costs almost £75,000 last year.

Surveillance cameras have been installed to catch offenders, and warning notices have been displayed at fly-tipping hotspots around the district.

Residents can report environmental crimes by calling 01756 700 600, or online at: cravendc.gov.uk/cleaner-neighbourhoods/

For more information about the items that can be accepted at North Yorkshire County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres, go to: northyorks.gov.uk/household-waste-recycling-centres