TOUGHER action and more effort is needed to combat the blight of fly-tippers after recent incidents.

Hedge cuttings were dumped on a lane near Ross-on-Wye at the beginning of the month, followed by furniture being discovered on Gatehouse Road, which connects the A49 and Holme Lacy.

The Countryside Alliance, an organisation with an aim to promote issues in rural areas, said after the sofas and chairs were found that fly-tipping is becoming a “concerning common pattern”.

They said only one in 600 incidents leads to a prosecution.

Even then, the average fine is less than £430, when it costs private landowners around £800 to clean up the dumped waste.

“Following recent disturbing reports of fly-tipping around Hereford, the Countryside Alliance has offered its prevention guide to local people and reiterated its call for tougher action,” a spokesperson said.

“Fly-tipping is one of the more common crimes committed in rural areas, causing serious issues for those who are left to deal with it yet it is the only crime where the victims (private landowners) have a legal responsibility to dispose of the waste.

“Fly-tipping affects 67% of farmers and is estimated to cost them £47 million every year with the average cost to clean up an incident being £800.”

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As part of the group’s ongoing campaign against fly-tipping, they believe there needs to be greater support for landowners, including closer working relationships with local authorities.

Sarah Lee, from the group, said: “Fly-tipping has been a serious issue in the countryside, and there is no quick fix but it is an issue many people feel strongly about and they want to see stronger enforcement action taken by the police and local authorities.

“Herefordshire is an incredibly beautiful county and all efforts need to be taken to protect it from this blight.”