CASH rewards are to be handed out in return for helping the council to prosecute people who commit 'environmental crimes'.

Residents could be paid up to £500 if they supply evidence leading to a successful prosecution for crimes including fly-tipping, fly-posting and vandalism.

In order to be eligible, they must provide enough information to take a case to court and may be asked to appear in court to give evidence themselves.

The scheme is part of the council's 'Wiping Out Enviro Crime Campaign' and will be funded from the enforcement budget.

Cabinet member for community safety Cllr Afzal Akram said: “This is the next stage of the campaign.

“We've been doing a lot of prosecutions but there's still a problem with fly-tipping and we just don't know how it's getting there.”

The scheme, launched today (Friday), has been implemented as a way of supplementing the work of enforcement officers, so that residents can “stick together”.

Cllr Akram said: “By putting the money towards a reward scheme, we could have 225,000 people reporting.

“It's a way for everybody to come together for a common purpose.”

Rewards start from £100 if a summons is issued and go up to £500 for a prosecution with the maximum penalty.

To report an environmental crime, call Waltham Forest Direct on 8496 3000 or visit a Waltham Forest Direct shop.

You can also email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk The money will be issued after legal action is taken.