PERSISTENT fly-tipping has been criticised by Copeland Council after furniture was dumped on a country road.

Two sofas were abandoned on the roadside at Steel Brow, Frizington, on Tuesday morning (July 12).

Copeland Council is appealing for anyone with any information about the crime to get in touch.

"Yet again taxpayers' money is being spent on cleaning up after people too lazy and irresponsible to do the right thing," said Janice Carrol, Copeland's waste manager.

"This was a few minutes' drive from the tip, in a beautiful area – there is no excuse.

"I would urge people to take a look at our pictures and get in touch if they know anything about this. We all need to be vigilant to stop our countryside being despoiled in this way."

Last year, Copeland Council dealt with 391 incidents of fly-tipping.

Fixed penalty notices were introduced in May to tackle those who illegally dump their rubbish - allowing the council to avoid costly court cases.

The new fines, of between £150 and £400, allow local authorities to deal with small-scale fly-tipping quickly and efficiently, without the need to take offenders to court.

To contact the council you can call 01946 598300 or visit its Facebook page - Copeland Borough Council.