WOODLAND walkers say they are fed-up with seeing numerous cases of fly-tipping across the Forest.

For the last month there have been sightings of abandoned sofas and mattresses in and around Sutton Lane, at Soudley, while builders' sand bags were filled with odds and ends including a TV on Heywood Walk, in Cinderford.

Cinderford dog walker, Jennifer Lang said: "The rubbish is just off the path below one of the transmission towers (near Plump Hill). I realise it is not a big pile but all the same it is fly-tipping, and it needs to be removed.

"Fly-tipping makes me so angry, especially as it appears the offenders have gone to more trouble getting it here than it would to take it to the recycling centre. These bags stand out like a sore thumb – I don't understand these people – I hope they are cleared away soon."

Cllr Martin Quaile, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "Responsibility for fly-tipping is split between the Environment Agency and local authorities. The district council deals with small scale fly-tipping, while the Environment Agency works to tackle fly-tipping of a more serious nature, including incidents involving hazardous wastes which pose risks to the environment and human health.

"The council takes fly-tipping very seriously and we fully investigate all reported incidents. To report small scale fly- tipping incidents call 01594 810000. Large scale fly-tipping incidents should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060. If you are in any doubt about whether it is a large scale incident or not contact the council in the first instance."