Barnet Council has launched a new initiative designed to cut down on fly-tipping across the borough,

The council is working with housing association Barnet Homes on a project in Burnt Oak which will see shrubs planted on small grass verges that have been hotspots for fly-tipping in the past.

The project is running on a trial basis initially to see what impact it has on reducing people leaving waste in the area.

Barnet Council says three new shrub beds have been installed in Burnt Oak, which it says will enhance the look and feel of the area and hopefully deter waste being dumped in these spaces.

The new shrub beds will be monitored, and the outcome of the pilot will inform how the council and its partners can take action in other fly-tipping hotspots.

Councillor Dean Cohen, chairman of Barnet Council’s environment committee, said: "We are committed to tackling fly-tipping and working collaboratively with partners to enhance and maintain a pleasant local environment for residents and businesses in Barnet."

The council says it has seen an increase in the number of fly-tipping incidents in Barnet.