POLICE and council officers are on the trail of fly-tippers who dumped a huge pile of compacted cardboard waste beside a forest road.

A photo of the rubbish pile on the Forest of Dean council’s Facebook page provoked anger, with residents condemning the fly-tipping as a “disgrace.”

The cardboard found on the Newland to Staunton road was reported last Wednesday (August 9) morning and removed by council contractors with­in 24 hours.

A council spokeswoman said: “We would like to thank the members of the public who contacted us to report the incident.

“As a result the waste was removed by the council the day after it was deposited on the roadside.  

“We are unable to comment further as we are currently working with the police in an attempt to identify the offenders.”  

The council Facebook page had earlier stated: “We are aware of where this waste has originated from, however this is not a straight forward case. We are unable to comment further for legal reasons.”

There has been some speculation that the waste may have been left at the roadside by a contractor charged with collecting and disposing of it.

Forester Sharon Sym­onds commented: “I could not believe my eyes when I saw this early this morning!! Makes my blood boil, let’s hope they can catch who did it!

Emily Phipps added: “That is a disgrace. You lazy inconsiderate idiots!!“

Jo Marston praised the clean-up team, saying: “Well done to the Biffa guys that picked it up. Very quick service much appreciated.”

Tristan Viney added: “Pick it up you lazy person, do you know what a recycling centre is?”