Wrexham Council has warned people to take care with disposing of household waste as fly tipping cases rise.

Removing household waste has become a bit of a money spinner for some people who are taking people’s money by promising to remove their waste responsibly then promptly fly tipping rubbish across the county borough.

The council said: "As householders we all have a “duty of care” to make sure that anyone we use to remove our rubbish has an official Waste Carrier Licence and you can check anyone out on the Natural Resources Wales website.

"Most legitimate companies will happily show you their licence and assure you that they will dispose of it responsibly at a properly designated waste site.

"If they don’t have one then it’s very likely that your rubbish is going to be fly-tipped and if it’s traced back to you risk a fine of up to £5,000 and prosecution."

Council officers can also issue the householder with a £300 fixed penalty notice as an alternative to prosecution.

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, said: “It’s a sad fact of life that some people just don’t care and will happily fly tip your rubbish, scamming you out of your money and causing unacceptable amounts of litter in our countryside.

“Please take the time to check that anyone you are using to remove your rubbish has a Waste Carrier Licence.”