Significant amount of waste found at beauty spot

A warning has been issued after "significant amounts of waste" were dumped at a beauty spot in Devon.

Torridge District Council said rubbish was found at Kenwith Valley Local Nature Reserve in Bideford after work was carried out to investigate flood defence structures.

The council said historic fly tipping was exposed which included domestic waste, building materials, white goods and green waste.

Councillor Philip Hackett, lead member for public health and community safety, said the "planned waste crime" comes at a "considerable cost to the local community".

"Fly tipping is more than an unsightly nuisance and a bit of dumped waste for the council to clear," Mr Hackett said.

"We would strongly urge residents to report any cases and warn anyone planning to dump their rubbish illegally that these cases will be thoroughly investigated and pursued."

The council said fly-tipping was a "serious offence", adding it was punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment.

It said it was monitoring the situation and asked people to "stay vigilant and report any issues".

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