The people of Buckinghamshire are being asked to be ‘extra vigilant’ as fly-tipping continues across the country.

During lockdown, people were seen leaving high quantities of waste by the side of public roads as all of the county's recycling centres and tips were closed due to the ongoing pandemic.

Rubbish was noticeably seen on Sheepridge Lane near Marlow, where 20 bin bags were left by the road.

READ MORE: Man blocks Marlow Bridge to prevent lorry from going over - was he right?

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence with the heaviest punishment being a £50,000 fine or a 12 months prison sentence if convicted in a Magistrates' Court.

Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, Bill Chapple OBE, said: "Lockdown has meant that many of us have had the opportunity to do the biggest spring clean ever or to finally get into that long-intended DIY project - and that's resulted in a lot of extra waste.

“Added to that, the housing market is beginning to get going again, and there will be lots of clearing out as delayed house moves start to take place.

"But don't be tempted to hire a 'man with a van' who's offering a cheap job.

"That's why I'm asking people to be extra vigilant.”

READ MORE: Coronavirus mobile testing site launched in Marlow and it will open THIS WEEK

He continued: “There's a legal responsibility to ensure that your waste is disposed of properly – and that means using a bona fide licensed carrier.

“Check the SCRAP fly tipping code – it tells you everything you need to do to avoid a rogue operator that might just dump your waste at the roadside."

Visit www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk for more information.