DESPITE a summer crackdown on flytipping and the creation of a new litter taskforce, the scourge of dumped waste is a growing problem on the Isle of Wight.

Figures from Defra show that on the Isle of Wight there were 749 incidents recorded across 2020/21 — but no fixed penalty notices were issued by the Isle of Wight Council.

This was up considerably from 565 the previous year — a 32.5 per cent increase.

The incidents included 679 on highways, 16 on footpaths or bridleways, two in back alleyways and one on the railway.

There were 46 on council land, one on private land, and one on a watercourse.

Of the type of rubbish being dumped, six were animal carcasses, 14 were dumped vehicle parts, and there were 28 white goods and 23 other electrical incidents.

There were 30 incidents of car tyres being dumped, six involving asbestos, 36 involving construction/demolition items.

It all added up to 5.3 incidents per 1,000 people on the Island.

There were 130 actions taken, including 103 investigation actions, and 28 warning letters sent.

In July, the council said enough was enough and set up a litter taskforce.

Cabinet member for the environment and waste, Cllr Jonathan Bacon, chaired the first meeting of a cross-party task and finish group, and said the group would come up with an action plan later this year.

However, progress has stalled.

The County Press enquired about the report this week.

Cllr Bacon said: "The flytipping group is still to go through its programme of meetings.

"The scope of issues to be considered and therefore the necessary research required has widened and we have also had some staff illness which has held things up.

"The report was never expected this year but in the new year.

"Hopefully things will be on track soon. So the process is underway but still has a way to go until it can report."