Inspectors are to hit the streets in Corby to ensure bins are being used properly, and dumpers risk an £80 fine when a council gets tough this month.

Rats are appearing and pavements have been obstructed because residents are throwing waste in black plastic bags out into the street as opposed to using one of their three bins.

The authority's environmental quality department will issue warning notices to any households they spot not complying with waste collection requirements.

Letters will be put through people's doors to warn them.

If further incidents happen after a notice is issued, offenders may get an £80 fixed penalty notice.

The council's lead member for environment, Cllr David Harley, said: "This strategy is all about educating people on disposing of rubbish correctly and keeping our streets clean.

"We will only issue fixed penalty notices to persistent offenders but excess waste left on the street is considered as flytipping and therefore we need to work with residents to eradicate the problem."

In the past 12 months alone, the authority has had to spend more than £110,000 in clearing up and disposing of illegally dumped material.