A Baldock woman who came across a fly-tipping site blocking a rural road has condemned the culprits.

Steph English, who was running with her dog near Weston on Tuesday morning, had a look through some of the items to see if she could identify the owner, but without success.

“This is a country road used by farmers to access their land, by horseriders, by runners and ramblers alike,” she said.

“It’s so unnecessary when you can take it to the recycle centre in Letchworth or Stevenage for free.

“Even if you drive a van all that’s needed is a free permit from the council. It’s quite shocking, really.”

Peter Carey, North Herts District Council’s environmental health manager,said: “Not only are there financial implications for clearing this kind of thing up, which affects the council tax payer, but it is an eyesore and it ruins our lovely countryside.

“Fly-tipping is a serious offence and we will seek to prosecute those responsible. Householders should be aware that if they give their waste to an unlicensed carrier for disposal, and the waste is subsequently fly-tipped and traced back to them, they will also be open to investigation and prosecution. Always check that the person you are giving your waste to is authorised to take it.”

If you witness fly-tipping in progress, call 999. To report a fly-tipping incident use the district council’s ‘do it online’ facility at north-herts.gov.uk.