“IT’S IRRESPONSIBLE”.

Those are the words of one councillor who has criticised the dumping of broken sleds at beauty spots around the New Forest.

In the aftermath of the Beast from the East’s visit to the national park, a number of items were left in pieces, leaving residents angry at the state of some of the New Forest hills.

Among the dumping grounds was Bolton’s Bench in Lyndhurst.

Councillor for the village, Pat Wyeth, said it was irresponsible of those enjoying the snow to have left the New Forest in the “mess” but said it “could have been anybody” after residents posted messages online blaming tourists to the region.

Cllr Wyeth said: “I am not surprised, to be honest with you.

“It’s irresponsible of whoever it was. Of course I have no idea who left the mess, it could have been locals or those visiting.

“Sadly people have the mindset now of ‘someone else will clean it up’ and after they have had their fun, leave it to the rest of us.”

The photo of broken equipment at Bolton’s Bench was seen by thousands of people on social media.

One person said: “Why can’t people just take it with them? This bothers me every year when people visit Balmer Lawn in the summer. Enjoy what the beautiful Forest has to offer but yet destroy it on their way home!”

Last year, the Forestry Commission, which owns the land, spent £80,000 on collecting and disposing of litter from the New Forest lands.

A spokesperson for the commission said: “It’s upsetting that there are a few individuals out there who choose to leave their rubbish on the Forest, without thinking about the danger it poses to the ponies and cattle that roam freely across the New Forest. Every year, a number of Forest livestock have to be put down because they have swallowed discarded plastic.

“We really appreciate the time and effort put in by local people who helped to clear away the rubbish left behind. We all have a role to play.”