SHIFTING fly-tipped waste from just one area of a town cost council tax-payers more than £1,200 in the space of a week, it has been revealed.

And now Denbighshire County Council is calling on people in Rhyl to help it crack down on what it describes as a “disgusting” crime.

The waste in the highlighted incidence was cleared from streets and alleyways behind homes in West Rhyl.

The council is seeking community involvement in Rhyl to make residents aware of this situation and also task them in helping keep their streets clean as part of a wider strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.

Emlyn Jones, head of planning and public protection at Denbighshire Council, said: “Fly-tipping is an offence and has a huge impact on the neighbourhood and the community.

“This amount of rubbish accumulating in just one week in one neighbour affects the residents living in the area, but it also costs the local authority and the people of Denbighshire money to remove it.”

“We’re looking for community champions within the area to work with us to improve the streets of west Rhyl for everyone.

As part of this strategy, the council are working with North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue and Public Health Wales, and will also set up CCTV cameras at fly-tipping hot-spots across the area as a deterrent and to catch, fine and prosecute offenders.

Cllr Tony Thomas, lead member for housing, regulation and the environment, said: “Fly tipping is seen as a disgusting crime by all except those that commit it.

“Any evidence that can be given to us such as a number plate and the council and the authorities will make sure of prosecution.

“A conviction of fly tipping is serious and can prevent a person applying for certain jobs and can exclude them from housing lists.”

Cllr Brian Jones, lead member for highways, planning and sustainable travel, said: “This amount of money should be put to a much more beneficial use for the residents of Denbighshire.

“Anyone in the community that sees someone committing the crime of fly-tipping has a duty of care to report it and we are now calling on residents of west Rhyl to work together to keep their community clean.”