The council has used new powers which came into force this month to issue its first fine to a resident caught fly-tipping.

The resident, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given the £200 Fixed Penalty Notice for dumping a bag filled with rubbish in Harrow Road, Sudbury.

They now have 14 days to either pay or appeal the fine otherwise the council will take them to court.

Since May 9, all councils were given new powers to directly issue Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone caught illegally dumping.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, cabinet member for the environment, said: “The new powers are a great victory for everyone in the borough who loves where they live.

“Like most of our residents, the council wants a cleaner and greener area that we can all be proud of, so I wholeheartedly welcome these new powers to help us crack down on the selfish and destructive behaviour of a minority of people who are ruining our neighbourhoods.”

Dennis Lewis, Brent Council’s enviro-crime enforcement manager, added: “Illegally dumped rubbish is a serious issue and the council’s waste enforcement team has always investigated reports and, where necessary, prosecuted offenders.

“This new power is another tool we can now use, and enables us to more efficiently tackle those caught illegally dumping smaller amounts of rubbish.”