The number of flytippers fined by Croydon Council in the past 4 years has reached the 200 mark.

'Don’t Mess With Croydon – Take Pride' launched in 2014 with the council's aim to crack down on everything from dumping waste, dropping cigarettes, spitting and even public urination.

The 200th prosecution made through the courts was Shani Cooke, of Onslow Gardens in Sanderstead.

She ignored signs at the neighbourhood recycling centre in the Waitrose car park in Sanderstead and dumped a black sack of non-recyclable waste on the ground on January 23.

She was convicted in her absence at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 14 and sentenced to pay a £100 fine, costs of £100 and a £10 victim surcharge.

Councillor Stuart Collins, cabinet member for clean, green Croydon, said the initiative has been a major success.

“Day in, day out staff are working hard to keep the campaign running and make our borough a better place to live, work and visit," he said.

“Helping look after our borough is everyone’s responsibility.

"Along with punishing litterers and fly-tippers we have introduced schemes including time-banded waste collections and community clean-ups.”