FLY-TIPPERS have been slammed after a mound of building waste was dumped in the Lake District.

The mound of rubble and wood was abandoned on Corney Fell, near Buckbarrow Bridge, with a double mattress found under the bridge.

The incident was the latest in a regular battle for Copeland Borough Council against fly tippers which blight the area.

Mayor Mike Starkie said: "It’s disappointing to see that fly tipping continues in what must be one of Britain’s most picturesque boroughs.

"It stretches council resources, harms wildlife and is incredibly unsightly for both locals and visitors. We take it seriously and will always prosecute where we can.

"We would urge people not only to dispose of their waste responsibly, but to let us know if they are aware of someone having illegally dumped waste."

In January, the council's Pride of Place scheme was launched to encourage residents and businesses to share their pride in Copeland, and raise areas of concern.

More than 500 residents responded to the survey, with a third of those calling for higher penalties to be issued for fly-tippers.

In October, the council introduced stricter measures to clamp down on the problem, with a £250 fixed penalty notice.

Mr Starkie said: "We regularly post pictures of fly tips on our Copeland Pride of Place facebook page so if people recognise the waste they should get in touch.

"There is really no need to fly tip. There are Household Waste Recycling Centres provided by Cumbria County Council, and we offer a bulky waste collection service at a reasonable charge.

"We would ask the public to support us in highlighting and tackling this problem."

Each year, the council deals with around 400 incidents of fly-tipping on land it owns.

The Council can prosecute more serious cases of fly-tipping, which is punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court.