A CCTV camera has been installed in Cinderford in a bid to stop fly tipping.

If successful it could mean an end to a notorious eyesore at Valley Road on land near to the junction with Forest Vale Road which has been blighting the town.

Members of the public and businesses may inadvertently be putting themselves at risk of prosecution by dumping items at the site in Valley Road which was previously used by a local scrap dealer.

The Forest of Dean District Council and Cinderford Town Council have been working together to resolve the on-going problem following an escalation in complaints from local residents about items being dumped illegally at the site.

The items being left are not only causing an eyesore for those living nearby but are also posing a threat to wildlife and children who may be playing in the area.

Councillor Marrilyn Smart, Cabinet Member for the Environment at the Forest of Dean District Council said: ‘Following intervention by the council’s enforcement team the land at Valley Road is no longer being used by the scrap dealer in question.

"We would remind householders and businesses alike that they have a duty to dispose of their items responsibly and legally and should not be leaving any items at Valley Road which is classed as fly-tipping.

"The continued dumping of unwanted items on land like this is totally unacceptable and is costly to remove, with the most recent clear up costing many hundreds of pounds of tax payers’ money.’

"We hope the CCTV, along with additional signage at the site informing the public that they cannot leave their items, will prevent any reoccurrence of the problem and send a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated and that we will take legal action against those individuals found to be responsible."

Councillor Max Coborn, Mayor of Cinderford Town Council and ward member for Cinderford East said: "The Town Council is working alongside the District Council on this matter and providing the CCTV equipment to monitor the Valley Road site. We are committed to reducing fly-tipping in our town and will be considering other areas where the equipment can be used to make Cinderford a cleaner and safer place to live."

Anyone found guilty of fly tipping can face a fine of up £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court. More serious offences can attract an unlimited fine and up to 5 years imprisonment.

The Forest of Dean District Council offers a kerbside collection service for large household items such as three-piece suites, white kitchen goods, beds, mattresses, furniture, baby car seats and electrical items. The charge for this service is £15.00 (for one to three items) or £30.00 (for four to six items).

Residents can also take their large items to the local Household Recycling Centres at Broadwell near Coleford or to Hempsted, Gloucester and dispose of them free of charge.

The sites are open every day (with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) from 9.00am until 6.15pm.

Anyone wishing to use a van, pick-up or large trailer must book in advance either by going online at www.recycleforgloucestershire.com or calling 0845 602 9344 (lines open Monday to Friday).

Anyone witnessing fly-tipping can report it to the council by calling 01594 810000 or by emailing [email protected] giving as much information as possible.