FLYTIPPERS who dumped a wooden chest of drawers and a stool on a grass verge have cost Cherwell District Council £250 in clean-up costs.

On Friday the council received reports on social media of items dumped at Nethercote Lane, off the Overthorpe Road, in Banbury.

Officers visited the site within hours and found the furniture.

It is estimated the cost of clearing the rubbish and investigating the flytip is in the region of £250.

Councillor Debbie Pickford, Cherwell’s new lead member for clean and green, said: “Although it only takes a short amount of time to clear the rubbish from the roadside, the consequences continue long after the area is clear. Officers then have to spend time legally disposing of the furniture and investigating the offence.

“We think it is wrong innocent taxpayers have to foot the bill for the selfish actions of others so are appealing for help to trace those who are responsible.”

An investigation is now under way to trace the culprits who, if caught, could face a conviction for flytipping at magistrates’ court.

If convicted, offenders can receive a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a £90,000 fine plus clean-up costs.

Officers are appealing for the public to provide any information which could identify those responsible. Anyone with information should call 01295 227007.