People living in one area of Birkenhead all received a stern letter after fly tipping began again within days of a thorough clean-up.
Wirral Council circulated the letter to residents of Rodney Street and Argyle Street South after dumping of waste began again almost as soon as the Birkenhead alleyway - which serves the residents of both roads - and entries were cleared.
The letter said the authority first acted after receiving complaints about weed growth and fly tipping within the entries.
These were cleared at the council's expense, even though it is not their responsibility as the entries are unadopted.
However a re-inspection carried out only a fortnight later revealed the problem had already recurred with more rubbish, such as mattresses and sofas, starting to pile up.
The letter goes on to say: "There are a minority of residents who consider the behaviour of depositing household bagged waste and unwanted household items to be reasonable and acceptable to their neighbours.
"It is apparent that several residents/a resident are/is frequently depositing household items in the entry and this activity must stop.
"This is not acceptable and anyone discarding items in such a manner is committing a criminal offence... and may be liable to prosecution."
It adds: "Wirral Council have worked with multiple contractors... to complete the unpleasant task of providing the entry with a thorough cleanse.
"This type of behaviour attracts vermin by not disposing of your waste correctly.
"Following on from the cleanse, the entry will be frequently monitored by the waste & recycling enforcement team and should evidence of fly tipping become evident, we will be contacting the person(s) responsible."
The letter goes on to remind residents that all household waste recycling centres are open to the public, and that the council provides a removal service for items such as furniture and carpets.
