FLY-TIPPERS have been slammed following their ‘unbelievable’ actions at a time when austerity is ‘biting hard’.

Concerns have been raised over dumped litter and waste – including clothes and mattresses – in, and along, the Mersey.

People passing the area close to the Riverside Close apartments have reported seeing ‘high levels of litter’.

Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for environment and public protection, has issued a statement on the issue.

She said: “The council has been made aware of littering in this area, which appears to be on both public and private land.

“All reports of fly-tipping and littering are looked into as soon as possible and we welcome any information from residents, with as much detail as possible which can help us identify those responsible.

“We all have a responsibility to keep our borough clean and tidy and we want the public to work with us to identify those who show disregard to the people of Warrington with these actions.”

The matter has also sparked a response from Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community.

He said: “It is simply unbelievable that some residents believe it is quite ok to fly-tip their rubbish onto our streets and public spaces.

“At a time when austerity is biting hard into our very finite resources, the cost of removing it is taking away revenue needed for priority services.

“I can’t make it clear enough that residents need to report such criminal activities directly to the council and, hopefully, there is sufficient evidence to build a case against these criminals.

“With more residents joining community friends groups hopefully such acts will become fewer.”

The authority has reminded residents that officers can only investigate or take action against anyone fly-tipping or littering on council land. Anyone who believes any dumped rubbish that they spot is hazardous should call 443322.

For more information or to report fly-tipping visit warrington.gov.uk/flytipping.