THE number of fly-tipping incidents in Powys increased by almost 50% in four years, official statistics show.

Figures published by Stats Wales, the Welsh Government’s official statistics body, showed there were 804 incidents of fly tipping recored by Powys County Council in the 2014/15 financial year.

That is an increase of 46 per cent from 2011/12 when there were 551 such incidents recorded.

Brecon and Radnorshire AM, and Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Kirsty Williams said she feared cost cutting measures introduced by the county council could contribute to the problem.

She said: "Charging for the removal of bulky household items may seem sensible at first sight, but if the council is having to pay out more to remove illegally dumped rubbish then the charge will soon become counter-productive if fly-tipping carries on rising at this rate.

"The same also goes for the council’s move to three-weekly bin collections which goes against the serious concerns raised by numerous Powys residents."

Her colleague, the Mid and West Wales AM William Powell said the party wants to see on the spot fines introduced to make the prosecution of fly-tippers easier for councils.

He said: "Fly-tipping is a blight on our local communities. Not only is it unsightly, but dumped rubbish causes severe damage to the environment and wildlife and costs the UK taxpayer a significant amount of money in lost revenue.

"People who dump rubbish are selfish, anti-social individuals who care nothing for their neighbours, or for the local environment, and do it to save a little money."

The figures show a steady increase in fly tipping since 2011, with incidents rising to 658 the following year and 682 in 2013/14.