That is the message from Harrogate Borough Council which is joining local police in warning of the dangers of giving work to itinerant traders who may end up dumping trade waste illegally.

The warning follows a number of cases where travellers have set up unauthorised camps in the district - including at Ripon Racecourse - and left the council with a mess to clean up when they move on.

Leader of Harrogate Council, Coun Mike Gardner is urging residents not to employ these and other casual labourers, as it not only encourages them to stay, but could leave those employing them liable for the dumping of trade waste.

new powers

"The Government has given new powers to local authorities to tackle the problems caused once these temporary sites are vacated, including the costly removal of much of the trade waste generated by the travellers," he said.

"Most of this rubbish comes from households where the travellers have perhaps felled trees or relaid drives and the general taxpayer is having to pay for its removal."

Warning of the risks involved, Coun Gardner said: "They may be a cheap option, but residents should be aware that they are at risk of breaching their householders' waste duty of care requirements.

"These are in place to ensure controlled waste produced on their property is passed to an authorised person and less likely to end up fly-tipped, which is what is happening at the moment at the sites where the travellers have visited.

"So as well as bringing action against the travellers who fly-tip, any resident found in breach of their duty of care is liable to a fixed £300 penalty fine or, if convicted in the courts, the fine could go up to £5,000."

The council is urging residents to ensure that anyone they employ is registered for the disposal of trade waste. Details of licensed waste carriers are available from the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or via the web at www2.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr/search.asp.