ANYONE who tips rubbish on land risks a fine of up to £50,000 warns Test Valley Borough Council.

The council issued the advice after reader and countryside lover Stuart Mills photographed the latest tipping incident near the Chutes on the Hampshire- Wiltshire border in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mr Mills said: “From Biddesden Road leading to The Chutes is an area which, through the ages, has been known as Ladies Lawn where, in times past, young ladies would be taken out by carriages to this area, where they would enjoy a full day’s picnic. Today, this beautiful area has been desecrated and abused by illegal 'fly-tipping'

of beds, mattresses and other unwanted home possessions by person or persons unknown.

“The county councils provide excellent facilities for disposal of these items at their many recycle depositaries which are free of charge, yet these morons decide to illegally dump their unwanted items in the lovely countryside.”

Test Valley Borough Council says anyone who has any information about this incident should contact police on 101. Information such as the type, colour and registration number of this vehicle and anyone related to this incident of dumping these items is particularly useful.

A council spokeswoman said: “Fly-tipping is illegal, dangerous and very expensive to clear up. We would urge anyone with any information about fly-tipping incidents to contact environmental service on 01264 368000.

“All communication will be treated in strict confidence.

Maximum penalties for those found guilty of fly-tipping include imprisonment and a fine of up to £50,000.

“Anyone who pays for their waste to be disposed of privately is asked to check the credentials of the individual or company offering the service.

“There have been a number of cases where people have paid for their waste to be disposed of in good faith only to find their rubbish has been fly-tipped, which can leave them liable to prosecution.”