The public are being asked to report people who illegally dump rubbish in Leeds.

It is part of a campaign against flytipping organised by the Environment Agency and Leeds City Council.

CCTV cameras will also be installed at tipping "grot-spots" to help catch offenders dumping household, commercial and building waste in the city's streets.

There were 1,884 reports of flytipping in Leeds between July and December 2002, costing council taxpayers an estimated �250,000 to clean up.

The practice is a criminal offence and carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison or a �20,000 fine.

Clean environment

As well as costing taxpayers money, the Environment Agency claims flytipping is ruining the local environment and attracting vermin.

Spokesman Simon Firth said it was often unscrupulous traders who were carrying it out.

"These people are criminals. They are selfish and must be caught, exposed and punished."

A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said they were confident the new initiative would help them catch offenders out.

She added: "We want to create an environment in Leeds that people can really be proud of."

Anyone who witnesses flytipping is asked to report it to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.