AN ENVIRONMENTAL body has called for residents to help clamp down on fly-tipping after waste was dumped in a Basingstoke beauty spot.

Used by dog walkers, families, runners and the surround residents, Basing Wood is considered one of Basingstoke’s green heavens.

However, on Monday morning people walking through the woodland area were greeted with rubbish dump across its picnic area as well as a Tesco shopping trolley being left on a fire pit.

The Forestry Commission, who look after the land, are appealing for residents to help stop this kind of activity in the area, by reporting anyone who is seen fly-tipping.

A spokesperson for the non-ministerial government department said: “Basing Wood is beautiful place and keeping it free of litter is just one way that people can help to protect it.

“This recent incident is another example of the lack of respect some people have for woodlands, its residents and wildlife.

“The scale and cost of removing fly-tips, such as this are considerable. Forestry England is appealing for information from local residents relating to this fly-tip that was dumped at Basing Wood, near the children’s play area.

They added: “We’re urging anyone who recognises where this waste has come from to get in touch, please call Forestry England’s local office on 0300 067 4601.”

The waste was cleared on Tuesday afternoon to a cost of more than £180.

Cabinet member for environment and enforcement at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Councillor Hayley Eachus said: “Fly-tipping is a blight on our borough and is an issue we take very seriously.

“We spend a considerable amount of time and money removing illegally dumped waste.

“I would encourage residents to report incidents of fly-tipping to us.”