A HEAP of processed waste has been dumped in a wooded area of Upton Grey.

The waste, which appears to have been processed and contain a range of plastic objects, was flytipped off a woodland path in Greywell Road on Sunday.

The path is a popular route used by runners, cyclists, dog walkers and horse riders.

Newly-elected leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Councillor Ken Rhatigan, said: “This is a commercial operation dumping this processed waste and somebody has to be held responsible for this.

“This is without doubt one of the worst examples of flytipping in the borough for a number of years and I am appalled by this behaviour.”

Cllr Rhatigan added: “"There are no words for people who spoil our countryside. There are no words for people who take money and don't do their jobs."

The waste has been cordoned off until it can be assessed by the Environment Agency and removed by the borough council.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said it was investigating the incident.

Upton Grey and The Candovers ward councillor Mark Ruffell said: “This is the worst example of flytipping that we have seen as a borough.

"It looks like the residue from a recycling centre and there aren't that many sites around that process this material.”

To report fly-tipping in the borough council, go to basingstoke.gov.uk/flytipping.