THE hunt has been launched for fly tippers who dumped this rubbish in the Hampshire countryside.

Council chiefs issued an appeal for help to track down dumpers who left behind five-and-a-half tonnes of waste including a fridge freezer and builders rubble.

It is the fourth time in just weeks that fly tippers have struck in the Valley Park area of the Test Valley.

Multiple incidents The first incident took place on February 5, followed by two more on March 16 and 17.

In each case the waste was dumped along Castle Lane cycle path at the entrance to the Great Covert woods, adjacent to Sandringham Close.

In the fourth incident, 50 tyres were dumped near a ford at Foxes Lane in West Wellow on March 18.

Test Valley Borough Council environmental enforcement team urged anyone who witnessed the dumpings or has any information that may help their investigation to contact them.

Councillor Graham Stallard, said: “I am absolutely disgusted that anyone could fly-tip waste. The most recent incident in Valley Park saw 5.5 tonnes of waste dumped, which is appalling. It is a criminal offence and we will do everything we can to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

“The locations are isolated, but somebody could have seen something and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward.

Help catch the tippers “We are asking for help as fly tipping is illegal, dangerous and expensive to clear up and we need to put a stop to it.”

Anyone with information can contact the council on 01264 368000. Calls will be treated in strict confidence, say the authority.

The maximum penalty for flytipping is £50,000 and/or imprisonment.