COUNCIL leader Cllr Russ Bowden admits the authority needs to ‘step up’ and ‘take the fight’ to fly-tippers blighting areas of the town.

Residents got the chance to press Cllr Bowden (LAB – Birchwood) on a range of issues during the first leader’s forum at Whitecross Community Centre on Tuesday.

He believes fly-tipping is becoming a ‘scourge’ across the borough but told residents that budget cuts are hampering the council’s ability to respond to the issue.

“The problem we have is that we are quite often chasing our tail, as we will clear a site and a few days later it will be back,” he said.

“I know there are some areas, particular in our inner wards, which are a problem.

“I think we need to step up the game. I think we need to take the fight to the people who are responsible.”

Cllr Bowden also reassured residents that they can pass on evidence, which could lead to a prosecution, in confidence.

“We need the information in order to prosecute,” he said.

“Our officers will go through any fly-tipped rubbish and look for evidence.”

After the leader’s forum, he added: “The issues raised tonight are clearly important to residents.

“There is no excuse for fly-tipping, which causes distress and wastes valuable council resources.

“We need to work with communities in order to tackle the minority of people responsible, including bringing prosecutions.”