FLY-tipped waste is discovered in Bolton three times a day on average, figures have revealed.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs data shows 935 fly-tipping incidents were reported to Bolton Borough Council in 2019-20 – 69 fewer than the previous year.

The Local Government Association warned that the offence costs taxpayers almost £50 million a year to clear up.

Dumped waste was found in Bolton's back alleyways 358 times accounting for 38% of incidents, 133 discoveries were made on footpaths and bridleways (14%) and 133 times on roads and pavements (14%).

Across Bolton, small van loads of waste were dumped illegally on 370 occasions – 40% of all reports.

A further 26 incidents saw fly-tippers discard enough rubbish to fill a tipper lorry each, costing the council £9,100 to clear.

There were also 28 incidents which required multiple loads to clear, at a cost of £10,080.

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.

Bolton Borough Council took action over 1,206 fly-tipping offences in 2019-20.

The authority undertook 776 investigations, wrote 23 warning letters and issued 133 fixed penalty notices.

It also prosecuted 46 incidents in court. Such action resulted in 41 fines, totalling £21,536, being handed to offenders.