FLY-TIPPERS are being told they will face jail or a fine of up to £40,000 if they are caught in the act.

The warning comes from Scottish Borders Council after bags of bathroom tiles were found in a lay-by on the back road from Innerleithen to Walkerburn.

Upon discovering the waste, local resident Richard Bramhall took to social media to highlight the problem.

He said: “Someone has had a new kitchen or bathroom put in recently, these bags were full of used white tiles. We live in such a beautiful part of the world, I cannot fathom the mentality of someone who would do this kind of thing. My six-year-old son was with me at the time and asked, ‘why would someone dump their rubbish here?’ Hard to answer.”

SBC said: “Anyone caught fly-tipping can face fines or six months imprisonment. A commercial permit scheme has been introduced to enable businesses registered in the Scottish Borders to access six of our community recycling centres.”

Members of the public should report illegal dumping on publicly-owned land to Scottish Borders Council by calling 0300 100 1800, while fly tipping on private land should be reported to the National Dumb Dumpers helpline, on 08452 30 40 90 or via www.dumbdumpers.org