NEW powers to tackle fly-tipping are on the way.
And Labour councillors in Kirklees have urged the authority to adopt them as soon as possible.
Labour leader Clr Mehboob Khan, who has highlighted the problem by taking photos of fly-tipping around Birkby, said: "The Government is trying to help councils to crack down on fly-tippers by giving them back the power to stop, search and confiscate vehicles they suspect are being used for such dumping.
"This is an important power and one that could be a very useful tool in the fight against those who selfishly despoil our area.
"Councils used to have these powers, but the Tory Government took them away when the Environment Agency was set up," said Clr Khan.
"Now, the Government, realising the importance of the powers to councils has put a clause in the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, now going through Parliament.
"This will become law early next year, so I would urge the Lib/Dem- controlled Kirklees to set up systems to make best use of the powers as soon as they come into force," said Clr Khan.
His plea follows growing concerns over fly-tipping across Huddersfield since April, when Kirklees introduced charges for the collection of bulky and garden waste.
A council scrutiny committee is now re-examining the charges.
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