Fly-tipped waste is discovered in the Cotswolds once a day on average, figures reveal.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs data shows 528 fly-tipping incidents were reported to Cotswold District Council in 2019-20 – 103 more than the previous year.

Dumped waste was found on Cotswold's roads and pavements 422 times accounting for 80 per cent of incidents while 50 discoveries were made on footpaths and bridleways (9 per cent).

Fly-tipped rubbish can include household waste, white goods and construction waste.

Across the Cotswolds, small van loads of waste were dumped illegally on 244 occasions – 46 per cent of all reports.

A further 70 incidents saw fly-tippers discard enough rubbish to fill a tipper lorry each, costing the council £14,000 to clear.

There were also two incidents which required multiple loads to clear, at a cost of £1,000.

David Renard, environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: “Fly-tipping is inexcusable.

"It is not only an eyesore for residents, but a serious public health risk, creating pollution and attracting rats and other vermin.

“We continue to urge the Government to review sentencing guidelines for fly-tipping, so that offenders are given bigger fines for more serious offences to act as a deterrent."

He added that manufacturers should provide more take-back services so customers can hand in old goods when they buy new ones.

Cotswold District Council took action over 320 fly-tipping offences in 2019-20.

The authority undertook 286 investigations and issued one fixed penalty notice.

Cllr Andrew Doherty, cabinet member for waste, recycling and the environment, said: “Fly-tipping is a national problem and has a significant impact on communities and our environment.

"As a council, it is an issue that we take very seriously, and we will tackle offenders wherever, and whenever, we can.

“We all have a duty of care to ensure our household or business waste is disposed of legally and not fly-tipped.

"Fly-tipping of any kind is an offence that could risk fines or a criminal record.

"If your waste is fly-tipped, by you or by someone else on your behalf, you could face a £400 fixed penalty notice.

"This can be increased to an unlimited fine if convicted in crown court.

“You can report fly-tipping to the council, by completing an online form on our website: www.cotswold.gov.uk/flytipping.”