COUNCILLORS are proposing a new weapon against people who dump rubbish illegally. The Independent group wants the council to introduce a new 0800 freephone line for complaints about illegally dumped rubbish.

Morecambe Bay Independent Councillor Mark Turner, policy chairman of Environmental and Public Services claims that illegally dumped rubbish is one of the biggest problems encountered by local residents.

He told the Citizen: "One of the biggest grievances brought to our attention during canvassing at the recent council elections was that of rubbish tipping and untidy back streets."

The new phone line will be backed by stronger penalties for illegal tippers and more readily available information on collection days and times. Independents hope that their idea will make it easier for complainants to know who to complain to.

Mark Turner pledged: "The Independents will take notice of, and act upon the wishes of local residents."

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