The York Council dealt with 688 reports of fly tipping during the last 6 months.

In addition 750 complaints about cleansing were recorded.

The figures, released by the Council, reveal that about 20% of issues were reported using the new “Smarter York” mobile phone “App”.

The App has been most used by those reporting Graffiti with 145 cases reported this way compare to 135 using more conventional methods such as the telephone.

However there is little evidence that the App has reduced the costs of dealing with complaints. The total number of issues raised is up on previous years. Nor is there any sign that, when reported, the issues are being addressed more quickly.

Indeed reports of graffiti on private land, in our experience, are often outstanding for months.

The investigation into the security of the mobile phone app by the Information Commissioners office is continuing.