More than 20 clues that could lead to the identification of people who dumped 40 tonnes of waste in parks have been uncovered by the council.

Sutton Council issued a statement today saying enforcement officers were pursuing fly-tippers who left mountains of rubbish in Roundshaw and Rose Hill parks.

Your Local Guardian:

Mountains of rubbish next to a playground in Roundshaw Park

Over the last two weeks we reported the mountains of rubbish being left behind after travellers vacated both parks.

The council said it has so far found 20 clues and are still sifting through the sites for further evidence.

The clean-up of 26 separate tips on Roundshaw Park has already started and they will start work on the second site in Rose Hill Park once they have finished their search for clues.

Your Local Guardian:

Rubbish left in Rose Hill Park

A fingertip search in Roundshaw Park turned up envelopes with addresses, a parking permit with a licence plate number and packaging for a kitchen with an address on it - all of which the council thinks could be vital clues in tracking down the dumpers.

Enforcement officers are also trying to find the businesses and people who hired the people to dump their rubbish.

Builders can receive unlimited fines if their waste is dumped unlawfully while householders can be fined up to £5,000 in a magistrates’ court.

Your Local Guardian:

Councillor Jill Whitehead, chair of Sutton’s environment and neighbourhoods committee, said: “This is an appalling crime committed by people who have treated our green spaces with contempt.

“We are determined to do everything we can to track down the people responsible and make sure that they are properly punished.”

Your Local Guardian: Councillor Graham Whitham

Councillor Graham Whitham, Conservative group leader, said: "The Conservative Group on the council support fully Sutton’s enforcement officers seeking evidence to identify those who hired the fly tippers carrying out this reprehensible activity.

"If the council can identify those who hired the fly tippers we would back the council seeking the fullest remedy through the courts. 

"If they are local to the borough then they have let down everyone living and working here and should pay the price of their disregard for the area they live in."