Flytippers beware - Winchester City Council has teamed up with Keep Britain Tidy to launch a crackdown on offenders throughout May.

Last year illegal flytipping cost Winchester taxpayers around £50,000.

During the campaign members of the public will be encouraged to call the National Tip Off line - 0845 3000 630 - if they see anyone dumping rubbish.

If caught, flytippers could face a fine of up to £20,000.

Last year Winchester City Council dealt with over 500 flytipping incidents, clearing away items such as car tyres, building rubble, tree cuttings and household rubbish.

The council has picked up items ranging from small bags of junk to cookers and sofas, from lay-bys, verges and country lanes.

"The ignorance of these tippers cost the council taxpayer around £50,000 last year," said Councillor James Wagner, city council cabinet portfolio holder for health and wellbeing.

"Flytipping on private land, such as farming land, leaves landowners out of pocket, as they have to pay to clean up someone else's rubbish.

"I am very pleased that Keep Britain Tidy and councils across England have joined forces to put a stop to a minority of selfish individuals who are spoiling the enjoyment of the countryside for everyone else," he added.

Bulky domestic household waste should be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre - these sites are for domestic customers only.

Alternatively, an arrangement can be made with the council's contractor, Serco, to have bulkier household items collected from home. There is a charge for this service.

n If you see anyone illegally dumping rubbish try to get the registration of the vehicle, the vehicle type and colour and a brief description of the person involved. Under no circumstances should you attempt to confront the individual. You should then phone 0845 3000 630 and the city council on 01962 840222.