The culprits behind the illegal dumping of 160 tonnes of waste rubbish on Warren Farm in Southall are close to being uncovered, according to the council.

Ealing Council cleared up the waste from the hard standing in the land, accessed through Windmill Lane, Ealing , on Monday (March 14).

Officers had discovered the full extent of the waste, including furniture, rubble, timber and a range of other building materials at the site on March 2.

A council spokesperson said that, together with the Environmental Agency and other west London council's, it is in the process of identifying and prosecuting the individuals responsible.

The waste at Warren Farm was cleared on Monday (March 14)

The council has already established that the waste came from addresses in Ealing and other neighbouring boroughs.

The spokesperson added that those responsible for dumping the waste, and the households who allowed their waste to be cleared illegally, will now be pursued and could face legal action.

If convicted, the culprits could face fines and legal costs totalling thousands of pounds.

Taxpayers footing the bill

Labour Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: "The vast majority of householders want to do the right thing with their waste, but unfortunately, there are a few that are prepared to use disreputable, illegal companies and individuals just to save themselves a few pounds.

"The message that I would like these residents to receive loudly and clearly is that someone always pays in the end and at the moment all Ealing Council tax payers are footing the bill.

"However, we are in the process of identifying those responsible for this environmental crime - the people who dumped the waste and the householders that it originated from - and we will be pursuing them all to recover our costs.

"I would ask all of our residents to stop and think the next time someone knocks at their door and asks to clear their waste.

"Ask for their details so you can check if they are licensed.

"If they are not licensed, they will be taking your waste and dumping it in our green spaces, parks and rivers regardless of what they say to the contrary and what can seem like a cheap deal at the time could ultimately end up costing you thousands of pounds in fines."

Residents can check that a waste clearance firm is registered here and more information can be found at the council's website .