FLY-tippers have cost Bolton Council £2.5 million during the last 12 months.

The astonishing figure emerged on the day the Government announced new guidelines meaning illegal dumpers could be arrested or face fines of up to £50,000.

The latest incident of fly-tipping was an unsightly mess of tyres left in the picturesque village of Barrow Bridge.

Ten tyres were left in a car park regularly used by visitors, and in nearby Longshaw Ford Road a further 15 barred the paths of oncoming motorists. Another two were left outside cottages.

The new powers allow local authorities to get tough with fly-tippers who blight our towns and cities.

The legislation covers all open spaces, including rivers, lakes, ponds and private property.

Bosses at Bolton Council have hailed the new powers, saying: "The increase in fines is welcomed as it sends a positive message to the magistrates and Crown Courts. This will hopefully ensure that the level of fines imposed reflects the seriousness of the offence."

Environmental teams have dealt with 4,552 fly-tipping incidents across Bolton during the last 12 months.

Bolton Council has successfully prosecuted four fly-tippers, with a further 34 prosecutions pending.

Residents in Barrow Bridge say their remote area is becoming an increasing target for illegal fly-tippers.

One said: "I've seen fridges and freezers left on roads and surrounding land in the area.

"We've asked for gates to be put on the car park to stop people coming in after hours, but we're still waiting."

Graham Biddlecombe, of Limefield Road, Smithills, said: "The culprit has dumped the tyres in the middle of the road, so not only are they unsightly, they are a real hazard.

"Merely clearing them aside is not enough. Action must be taken to catch the culprits before someone is seriously injured and the environment ruined."