THE discovery of a huge pile of computer keyboards dumped at a Dales beauty spot has prompted a council to escalate its campaign against fly-tippers.

Craven District Council (CDC) is warning offenders that they will face large fines if they are caught spoiling the environment following the find at Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

In recent months a fly-tipper in Craven has been fined £1,320 by the courts and offenders can face up to £50,000 penalties and up to 12 months’ imprisonment.

“We know residents are appalled by this destruction of our beautiful countryside and we are determined to crack down on those who break the law in this way," said Paul Ellis, director of services at CDC. “Businesses have a legal responsibility to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner."

CDC launched a campaign: ‘Operation: Cleaner Craven’ in November 2016.

Crimes such as fly-tipping, dog fouling, littering, smoking in smoke free places, stray dogs and abandoned vehicles cost the council thousands each year. The council has a dedicated fly-tipping team and work to tackle fly-tipping cost almost £75,000 last year.

The council has also deployed new surveillance cameras to catch offenders, and warning notices have been displayed at fly-tipping hotspots around the district.