CONCERNS are being raised that the Painswick Beacon is becoming a 'hot spot' for fly-tipping.


Chicken carcasses, a birdcage and a child's car seat are among the items that have been dumped at the popular dog walking spot this month.


Volunteers from the Painswick Beacon Conservation Group are calling for more action to deter the culprits such as better signage and more patrols and are asking walkers to report incidents of fly-tipping to Stroud District Council.


David Allott, chairman of the group, said: "The beacon has been blighted by the inconsiderate and selfish behaviour of some people over recent weeks.


"Fly-tipping is an ongoing problem but it is becoming a hot spot and something needs to be done.


"Dog walkers are the eyes and ears of the beacon and although it is difficult to catch vandals in the act and dangerous to confront them, we want walkers to report anything suspicious to the council or the police."


This month, rubbish including tyres, household waste and suitcases has been dumped by fly-tippers then cleared away by SDC.


The most dramatic incident was 150 chicken carcasses, which were dumped on Wednesday, January 30.


Mr Allott believes that many of the items have been dumped by small businesses to avoid having to pay the cost of disposal.


Gloucestershire county councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: "This is one of the most beautiful spots in the Gloucestershire countryside and should be kept that way for the enjoyment of local people.


"It is the responsibility of all local businesses to ensure they dispose of waste through the correct channels. Anyone who doesn't needs to be brought to the attention of Trading Standards."


A spokesman for SDC added: "We take all instances of fly-tipping very seriously.


"Once we are informed of incidents we check the waste for evidence which may help us track down culprits, and we clear it away as soon as we can. When we find evidence we prosecute."


To report incidents call SDC's fly-tipping team on 01453 754 424 or the police on 101.