FLY-TIPPERS could face five years in prison after distinctive bathroom tiles and bathtub panels were dumped in a north Oxfordshire village.

The items were found in Ambrosden, near Bicester, amongst a pile of rubble and garden waste earlier this month.

An investigation has been launched and a rogue firm of bathroom fitters with links to Oxford and Milton Keynes are thought to be to blame.

Conservative county councillor for Bicester West Debbie Pickford – who is lead member for 'clean and green' – revealed the problem had become a regular occurrence in the area.

She said: “Ambrosden is a beautiful part of the district, but unfortunately it has become a target for repeat fly-tipping.

“Our officers are diligent when it comes to tracking down fly-tippers, and in this case they have evidence tying the suspects to Oxford and Milton Keynes.

“The bridleway where the waste was left only leads to the farmer’s fields, so it’s unlikely that other vehicles would have a good reason to be there.”

The rubbish was blocking the entrance to a farmer’s field on a bridleway opposite the end of the Old Arncott Road around June 6.

Numerous pieces of the patterned bathroom tiles were clearly visible among the rubble.

Cherwell District Council’s environmental enforcement officers are working through the evidence with a view to prosecuting, with a potential prison sentence of up to five years.

If convicted in a magistrates’ court, the maximum sentence for illegal waste disposal in a public place is a £50,000 fine or 12 months in prison – but the offence can result in an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison if convicted in a crown court.

Anyone offering to remove the waste in Ambrosden must carry proof of licence and Mrs Pickford urged residents to report any suspicious activity.

She said: “If anyone sees vehicles acting suspiciously in the area, I would urge them to call the council and assist in this investigation.

“We take fly-tipping extremely seriously and will not hesitate to take action, which could see the offenders fined or sent to prison.”

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 states residents have a duty of care to ensure their waste is properly disposed of, while a £1,000 fine can be handed to fly-tippers.

Anyone with information on this or other fly-tipping in the district can contact Cherwell District Council in confidence on 01295 227007.