AN Examiner reader says dumped industrial waste is a taste of far worse to come if people end up getting fined for not recycling properly.

Derek Spence fears the fly-tipping problem will get out of control if the Government decides to give councils the power to fine people who do not co-operate with recycling schemes.

Mr Spence, 69, of Meltham, said: "Having read all the controversy about possible domestic waste charges I thought I'd see how bad the problem was now.

"Quite quickly I came across dumped waste in the Holme and Colne valleys.

"Goodness knows how bad it will get if people are charged to have their household waste taken away. It could be horrendous."

Mr Spence found a pile of rubble, stones and asbestos sheets dumped next to Wessenden Head Road above Meltham.

There was also a pile of rubble and old cables on Sands House Lane at Crosland Hill.

Kirklees Council will now shift the rubbish.

Its strategic waste manager, Mike Proud, said some unscrupulous businesses dumped waste to avoid paying disposal charges to councils.

But he added: "We have an environmental enforcement team that looks for evidence.

"When we get some about who is responsible for fly-tipping we prosecute. One man was fined £5,000 for dumping rubbish on Kilner Bank."

Kirklees councillors have already said they are against proposals to fine people.

The council's Cabinet member responsible for waste collection and the environment, Clr Martyn Bolt, said: "To start threatening people with 'fines' is a nonsense, confrontational and destructive.

"It is totally against our concept of working with our residents to improve the environment.

"Waving the big stick is a ludicrous and confrontational way of dealing with this issue.

"The indications are, locally and nationally, that the vast majority of people recognise and support the importance of recycling and many other aspects of protecting the environment.

"What is needed is a long-term, consistent drive to educate and inform people of the contribution they can make. A Big Brother approach is not the answer.

"Once again the Government is proposing to pass the flak on to councils, who will bear the brunt locally of any punitive action taken."

Anyone wanting to report fly-tipped rubbish should phone 01484 223156.