WARRINGTON Borough Council has pledged to take firm action after fly-tippers blighted an historic area of Winwick.

Bosses say irresponsible people have been illegally dumping waste on Hermitage Green Lane on a regular basis in the past months, including household items, electrical goods and car parts.

The council will begin a new clampdown on fly-tipping in Hermitage Green, the site of the 1684 Battle of Winwick, which has been designated an historic asset by English Heritage.

And it is issuing a warning that those who do not heed their warning will face a fine of up to £50,000.

Cllr Judith Guthrie, Warrington Council’s cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “These disgusting fly-tipping instances in the historic area of Hermitage Green Lane are an example of the huge impact this irresponsible behaviour can have on communities.

“Clearing this fly -tipping, due to the behaviour of a selfish minority, is a massive waste of resources, at a time when council services are already under severe strain.

“We are sending out a clear message to those fly-tipping on Hermitage Green Lane and all other parts of Warrington that it will not be tolerated.

“There are a range of measures we use to tackle this problem and we will have no hesitation in using the full weight of the law against environmental criminals.”

The council has already carried out a number of clean ups at the site and state they will be monitoring the area closely.

People are being asked to help by remaining vigilant, check the credentials of those disposing of their waste and report incidents of fly-tipping in detail.

“Our environmental crime team review every report you make, but we need as much detail as possible to help us find and take action against the perpetrators,” Cllr Guthrie added.

“It’s also important that you check carefully that the company or individual who is disposing of your waste is registered to do so, as you could be liable for any fly-tipping that occurs.

“This isn’t just about helping us protect the environment – it’s about protecting yourself too.”

Any reports of fly-tipping incidents can be made at warrington.gov.uk/flytipping.