THE council is cracking down on traders illegally using the Civic Amenity site at Linford.

From Monday, December 9, anyone using the tip will have to prove that they live in Thurrock.

The move comes as the cost to the taxpayer of businesses dumping their waste at the Buckingham Hill Road site now exceeds £60,000 per year.

It costs the council £100 per tonne to landfill the waste, which is only supposed to be waste from residents homes.

Cllr Victoria Holloway, the portfolio holder for Environment said: "Thurrock is one of very few councils that do not insist on seeing proof of residency at their local civic amenity sites.

"But as the pressure on council spending continues to grow, it is now necessary to make sure only those entitled to use the site actually do so.

"This means everybody using the Linford site will have to bring proof of identity to show they live in Thurrock.

"I know it’s a change and residents will have to remember to bring a utility bill with them or another form of ID, but we have to take steps to stop the illegal use of the facility and ultimately protect tax payers money."