The Country Land and Business Association in the East, which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses, said fly-tipping remained a “serious concern”.

Regional director Cath Crowther said: “Farmers and landowners face having to clear waste dumped on their land at personal expense or face the risk of prosecution.

“Some are having to clear rubbish on a weekly basis and the costs of removing it can soon spiral.

“It is unjust for local authorities to threaten action against private landowners as it criminalises the victims of waste crime.”

Adam Hug, environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: “Penalties handed down from prosecution fail to match the severity of the offence committed.

“We continue to urge the government to review sentencing guidelines for fly-tipping so that offenders are given bigger fines for more serious offences to act as a deterrent.”