A VAN that was used to illegally dump waste in West Bowling and Great Horton has been seized - making it the fourth fly tipping van seizure this year so far.

The Iveco van was reported by local residents to have been used in a fly-tipping incident in West Bowling.

After Neighbourhood Wardens investigated the pile of waste, they found evidence that led them to an address on Halton Place in Great Horton.

Arriving at the street they found the van parked.

Intelligence was also received by Bradford South officers that the same vehicle was allegedly involved in a fly-tipping incident within the Great Horton area in early March.

The vehicle was seized with the help of West Yorkshire Police's Operation Steerside Officers.

Enquiries are now underway to identify the offenders as part of an on-going investigation into the allegations of waste offences involving the vehicle.

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A Bradford Council spokesman said: "If the vehicle’s keeper comes forward to claim it, they will be questioned about the fly-tipping incidents. If they don’t come forward in the next two weeks, Bradford Council will take legal ownership of the van.

"It can either be sold and the money used in the fight against environmental crime or – as is often the case – the vehicle is un-roadworthy and worthless, it will be scrapped. This is the fourth van Bradford Council has seized for fly-tipping this year."

Changes in environmental law allow councils to confiscate vehicles that are being used for fly-tipping or transporting waste without a licence.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Culture, said: “We want to send a loud and clear message to fly-tippers that we are working as hard as we can to catch and prosecute them.

“Seizing vehicles is just one way of continuing the fight against fly-tippers, to stop them harming our surroundings.

“If anyone sees fly-tipping taking place, please note down as many details as possible, including vehicle licence plate numbers and inform the council.”

“We would also strongly advise residents to make sure they get rid of their waste with a legitimate licensed carrier, otherwise they could find themselves in trouble if it is subsequently fly-tipped and traced back to them.”

Fly-tipping can be reported by calling Bradford Council 01274 43100 or online at www.bradford.gov.uk. The website also contains information about how to dispose of rubbish correctly.