Fly-tippers have dumped a pile of building waste by the roadside in an East Hampshire village.

The mess was discovered on the verge of Station Road in East Tisted on November 9.

East Tisted Parish Council chairman Sandra Nichols said: “East Tisted has seen a spate of fly-tipping over the last few weeks - several loads on the lane between East Tisted and Selborne, one off the Colemore Road and one in the lay-by on the A32 in the village.

“All of these were quite clearly building or do-it-yourself waste. People who fly-tip not only break the law but show no respect for our beautiful countryside or the people who live in it.”

Cllr Nichols said East Hampshire District Council and the land owners had “dealt promptly” with these other fly-tips.

She added: “Perpetrators should be aware that as a community we are now extremely vigilant and will take measures to ensure that these criminals are identified and reported - there is a maximum £5,000 fine.

“Any householder having work done should always ensure that the builder or waste removal firm they use is licensed by checking the Environment Agency Public Register online or phoning them on 03708 506506.

“If your household waste is fly-tipped by someone else, and traced back to you because you failed to check, you can also face a fixed penalty fine or prosecution.”

Cllr Neal Day, who represents neighbouring Four Marks and Medstead on East Hampshire District Council, called fly-tipping a “disgusting crime”.

He added: “Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and the cost of the clean-up has to be borne either by individual land owners or every council tax payer in the district. Clearly those that commit these crimes do need to be brought to justice.

“Cleaning up this waste can be very costly as it often contains hazardous materials and has to be carefully checked before it can be safely removed.

“I would urge anyone that engages a waste removal service to carry out the appropriate checks to ensure that the service provider is fully licensed to carry out their business. Approved waste removal services will be able to provide certificates and will give you a receipt.

“Also, be aware that if waste does get fly-tipped and evidence of the source of that waste is found, residents who engage an unofficial waste clearance service can find themselves responsible for the illegal fly-tip.”