A builder faces being summonsed to appear before magistrates after waste was fly-tipped on Tooting Common, according to Wandsworth Council.

A large pile of rubbish was discarded in Furzedown Road on May 22.

If convicted, the builder could face a jail sentence and/or an unlimited fine- a new law came into force in March 2015 which removed the £5,000 cap limiting the maximum fines magistrates could impose.

Evidence found in the debris led council’s park officers to a house in Streatham where extensive building work had been carried out.

According to the council: “A full dossier of evidence will shortly be examined by the council’s legal team and could lead to the builder and others being summonsed to appear in court.”

The council advises that residents “be extremely wary” and always check with their builders and other contractors exactly how they are disposing of waste materials.

“Cowboy” waste contractors often drive around residential areas looking for homes that are getting work done.

They offer their services for a cut price rate and then dump it somewhere near by- often in parks or other open spaces.

On top of this, it is not just the fly-tipper who is committing a crime- the householder who paid them is also liable under law.

Anyone with information about rubbish being dumped should telephone 02088716396. Calls will be treated in confidence.