Country lane near Fareham is blighted by fly-tippers

The Environment Agency (EA) is hunting for witnesses after waste – including a TV, tyres and a sofa – was left abandoned in Trampers Lane, in North Boarhunt, north of Fareham. It comes just days after one of the area’s most prolific fly-tippers was jailed for a spree which blighted parts of Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham.

The latest incident is being investigated by specialist environmental crime officers and Winchester City Council.

Nigel Oliver, area environmental crime officer, said: ‘This is not a matter of simple fly-tipping.

‘This case appears to be intentional large-scale avoidance of waste disposal costs and it is vital that we identify where the items have come from and who took it there.

‘If an innocent party has handed it to a contractor for disposal, then they won’t be in any trouble and will have critical information for us.’

He said the waste was more than likely to have been transported to the site in a large vehicle and asked those who have seen this material on a truck or lorry to come forward.

Mr Oliver added: ‘This kind of environmental crime is completely unacceptable as it can cause pollution, harm to wildlife and it creates a total eyesore for those living nearby.’

Earlier this month, Ashley Mooney, 27, formerly of Gosport, was jailed for a year after his three-month fly-tipping spree across the county.

Councillor Trevor Cartwright, cabinet member for public protection at Fareham Borough Council, said: “Unfortunately some people think they can dump rubbish wherever they like. Our recent successful prosecution for fly-tipping sends out a clear message to everyone that the council has a zero tolerance approach to the offence.

‘Fareham is an attractive place and we want to keep it that way.’

Those with details of the latest incident can call the EA’s crime team on 0208 474 5923 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.