FLY-tippers, litterers and owners who fail to clean up after their pets could have their offences caught on camera as part of a council crackdown.

Town hall bosses in the borough are considering equipping enforcement staff with body worn technology for the first time to stamp out environment crime.

Cleaning up the borough has been flagged as a priority for residents in a recent major consultation exercise, they said.

The move – which could be approved by the local authority’s ruling group later this year – follows proposals for heavier fines for dog fouling and littering from cars.

Environment service manager Sandra Green said the cameras will provide extra safety to frontline staff and also help capture evidence for prosecution.

She added:  “The use of Body Worn Video will be integral in promoting public reassurance and will hopefully help modify behaviour.

“As well as protecting our staff it will be a useful tool to help keep members of the public safe.”

Earlier this year the town hall revealed plans to double fines for dog fouling to £100 with public space protection orders (PSPOs) also proposed.

Irresponsible owners who ‘lack respect’ for their communities are costing the council £150,000 per year in clean-up costs, bosses said.

And last year the council said it would enforce new legislation for those who throw rubbish from vehicles. Fines for general littering have also been increased.

The new stricter approach is hoped to act as a deterrent to encourage "behaviour change" rather than as an "income generator", the town hall has previously said.

Ms Green, interim service manager for environment, added: “We are seeking approval to use Body Worn Video for front line enforcement officers.

“As part of The Big Listening Project (consultation) one of the biggest issues that was highlighted by residents was littering in their local communities.

“Ensuring our streets are clean and tidy is a huge priority for us and we hope the Body Worn Video will contribute to this.”

The council’s ruling cabinet is expected to make a decision on the proposals by July.