Rubbish will be examined to help trace the fly tippers

In a campaign launched on Monday, the authorities said they will even examine the rubbish as part of their attempts to find the culprits.

A fly-tipping enforcement officer has been appointed, funded jointly by the Environment Agency, Durham County Council and five district councils.

However, two district councils have opted out of the scheme.

Tracked down

Durham County Council's Deputy Chief Executive (Environment ) Chris Tunstall said fly tipping was a blight on the region, not only on the environment but also a financial burden on council tax payers who paid for clearing up and disposing of the mess.

"Few fly-tipping offenders are caught in the act, and because of the lack of dedicated resources within local authorities and the Environment Agency, few cases ever get to court," he said.

But Councillor Brian Myers, cabinet member for waste management, said this was set to change.