'SICKENING' fly-tipping is plaguing a busy Bromsgrove road that is fewer than ten minutes' drive from the district's tip.

Pictures of Alvechurch Highway sent in by a reader show the shocking extent of the garbage dumped on the main route between Birmingham Road and Old Birmingham Road in Lickey.

Reader Stephanie Daley told the Advertiser the problem is 'growing by the week' on the road, which is currently partially closed due to Severn Trent roadworks.

The issue has raised the ire of Councillor Peter McDonald, whose remit covers the nearby Rubery patch.

He said: "What really makes you sick is the fact that a recycling centre is only a short distance away. The people doing this need to be caught and brought to justice.

"I have asked the council to take whatever action is required, putting an end to such criminal activities that is ruining our environment.

"When people look for a place to fly tip, the main criteria are that it has to be a quiet, remote location where they won’t get caught.

"What they don’t consider is that the location of their waste can have real repercussions on the surrounding environment.

"It’s becoming more and more common in rural areas, with plenty of fields and woods to leave unwanted rubbish and something needs to be done about it."

Marlbrook councillor Helen Jones added: "This fly-tip is an absolute disgrace.

"I have emailed the head of service who has requested that enforcement and place teams are sent out to address the issue.

"I hope the people response for this are caught and dealt with in the most severe way possible."

Bromsgrove District Council urged anyone who spots fly-tipping to report it to them.

A council spokesperson said: “We urge our residents not to hire a ‘man with a van’ but rather use a reputable company and check on the Environment Agency website that they have a valid waste carriers’ licence, or use the Council’s bulky waste service, to remove items if they are unable to do so themselves.

"If the ‘man with a van’ is caught fly-tipping then the person hiring the service is also liable and can face a substantial fine.

"We also urge residents to help keep our district looking good for everyone to enjoy by remaining vigilant and report instances of fly-tipping to us so we can take action to both remove the fly tipping and investigate the incidents to try and catch the culprits.”