New information has found more than 4,000 reports of fly-tipping have been made to Merton Council since May 2016, but only 22 fixed penalty notices were issued to fly-tippers.

A Freedom of Information request made by the Wimbledon Guardian has also revealed the worst ten wards for fly-tipping.

Graveney is the worst ward, with 380 reports of fly-tipping over the past year.

Legislation was brought in last May allowing local authorities to issue fixed penalties to anyone caught fly-tipping.

Wimbledon Times:

The council was unable to clarify exact ‘hotspots’ because, under Freedom of Information legislation, it would have taken too long.

The wards with the most reports of fly-tipping are:

1. Graveney

2. St Helier

3. Colliers Wood

4. Longthornton

5. Wimbledon Park

6. Figges Marsh

7. Lavender Fields

8. Trinity

9. Merton Park

10. Cricket Green

Since May 2016, there have been 380 reports of fly-tipping in Graveney, an average of more than one a day for the past year, but just four penalty notices were issued to culprits. In St Helier, 365 reports we are made, with one fine issued.

Colliers Wood has the third most reports of fly-tipping, with 294. Just two fines were issued in the ward over the past year.

Fly-tipping reports from Longthornton account for just over six per cent of the total number in Merton, with 267. Three fixed penalty notices were issued during the period.

With the exception of one, there have been at least 100 reports of fly-tipping made in every ward in Merton.

Wimbledon Park and Figges Marsh wards are ranked the fifth and sixth worst wards, with 265 and 258 reports respectively.

Towards the bottom of the table, Lavender Fields, Trinity, Merton Park and Cricket Green have all had a substantial number of reports, ranging from 242 to 254.

The ward with the least reports of fly-tipping, Lower Morden, still had on average over one report a week, with 75 reports made of fly-tipping over the past year.

Chris Lee, Director of Environment and Regeneration fro Merton Council , said: “The figures highlight the daily fight the council has against fly-tippers and the huge drain on resources trying to tackle it. We appreciate residents frustration and ask them to be vigilant and record any vehicle registration numbers as long as it doesn’t compromise their safety.

"Where we can find evidence to allow us to fine or prosecute perpetrators we do so."