FLY-TIPPING has soared in East Devon in the last year.

The region saw the biggest rise in Devon - from 227 incidents in 2010 to 315 in 2011, according to district council figures.

Devon County Council (DCC) started charging for the disposal of some items in April – but bosses say the levy could not be blamed for the increase.

The Herald reported last week how potentially deadly asbestos was illegally dumped in a quiet Sidmouth beauty spot.

A countryside bridleway off Bickwell Lane was used as a tip as 26 bags worth of industrial waste were left there.

The district council had to call in specialists to remove the waste.

DCC introduced a charge on April 1 for the disposal of rubble, plasterboard, bonded asbestos and tyres.

Councillor Roger Croad, the authority’s cabinet member for recycling, said the introduction of charges could not be blamed for people’s failure to obey the law.

He said: “In Devon, 86per cent of all the stuff that’s fly-tipped can be taken free to a recycling centre.

“More than 95per cent of stuff that’s taken to recycling centres goes in free of charge.”