COUNTY chiefs are asking people to help in the fight against fly-tipping.

Trips to a household recycling centre are not listed under central government reasons for essential travel, so council's have temporarily closed them.

On Thursday, the Daily Echo reported how Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood had called for the reopening of tips across the country.

BCP Council said it would not be reopening its three tips unless the government changed its guidance, and that there had been no increase in fly-tipping incidents compared to last year.

However, outside of the Bournemouth conurbation the situation may be different.

Dorset Council says that while early its fly-tipping figures from late March and early April have not shown significant year-on-year increase, this may be due to fewer officers and people travelling around the county as they isolate at home.

Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council's customer, community and regulatory services member, said: "Now more than ever, we need people to keep us informed when they spot fly-tips. We want residents to help us by keeping their waste to one side until things get back to normal, and to check who they’re handing their waste to.

"We know the temporary closure of household recycling centres (HRC) is likely to cause a rise in fly-tipping, so we’re keeping a close eye on the situation, reviewing central government guidance and planning every day so we can re-open the HRCs at the earliest opportunity.

"But there are no excuses for fly-tipping. It’s unsightly and damaging to the environment.

"We all have a part to play in stopping this anti-social behaviour and by working together I know we can make a positive impact.

"It’s also worth noting that Dorset Police are still out on the roads at this time checking where people are travelling to and may have some questions if they look in a vehicle and find waste that would typically be dropped at an HRC.”

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence, punishable of fines of up to £50,000 or 12-months imprisonment if convicted in a magistrates' court. The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to five years imprisonment if convicted in a crown court.

Fly-tipping incidents can be reported online or by calling 01305 221040.