A vigilant man has become the first Wiltshire resident to receive a reward from the council after reporting a fly-tipping offence in Purton.

The man, who witnessed a Swindon electrician fly-tipping on a grassy verge in Purton is the first to receive a £200 reward under the council’s We’re Targeting Fly-tipping (WTF) campaign.

The tip-off resulted in a £400 fine after the man reported the incident through the My Wiltshire App and provided a statement to the council’s environmental enforcement officers.

The investigation led officers to the fly-tipping electrician who admitted to the offence. The fixed penalty notice was paid in full by the offender.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, said: "Even during these challenging times, Wiltshire Council is committed in cracking down on waste crimes such as fly-tipping, and will pursue all reports with evidence.

"We thank the member of the public who gathered vital information which led to this fixed penalty been issued.

"Fixed penalty notices are a significant tool in combating this illegal activity, and the We're Targeting Fly-tipping campaign continues to raise the awareness that fly-tipping not acceptable, a criminal offence and we will work tirelessly to apprehend offenders.

"The reward scheme linked to this campaign will certainly assist in combatting this illegal activity."

Officers are investigating several offences of fly-tipping that have occurred in Wiltshire since the lockdown.

Formal interviews under caution will be arranged and conducted as soon as it is safe to do so in line with government guidance.

Residents can report fly-tipping at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywiltshire-online-reporting or by calling 0300 456 0100.

To find out more about the We're Targeting Fly-tipping campaign and rewards, including terms and conditions, please see www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community-environment-wtf