SOUTH Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is investigating reports of fly-tipping left dumped near Middleton.

Photos shared on a Kirkby Lonsdale Facebook group show the mess which includes a bathtub and several rubbish bags. 

Ryan Buckley, the poster said: "A good mate of mine was making his way to work this morning and as you can see from images below has come across this unsightly and absolutely disgusting mess, it was dumped in a lay-by." 

The Westmorland Gazette:

SLDC confirmed it has sent out locality officers to the location - a lay-by on the road between Middleton and Sedbergh. 

If the tip is builder's waste, the householder could be liable for the fine if the material is traced back to them. Builders should have waste carrier licences.

In a statement, SLDC said:  “Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime. As well as the cost to the environment, the financial cost of clearance, disposal and investigation is ultimately borne by the Council Tax payers of the district.

“The maximum penalty for fly-tipping that can be imposed by the courts is a £50,000 fine and up to five years in prison for the most serious offences.’’