COUNCILLORS and residents have hit out at lockdown litter-louts and fly-tippers after a spate of incidents.

Resident Jamie Versaci spoke of his frustration after he found a carrier bag filled with close to 20 bottles, beer cans, and crisp packets by a stream on King’s Stanley Playing Fields on Saturday.

Chair of the environment committee for Stroud District Council, Councillor Simon Pickering, said there was “no excuse” for littering.

Mr Versaci said littering has become a problem by the stream. “I like spending time in the area with my dogs and we live in a very beautiful place, we’re lucky and it’s frustrating people didn’t share that view. People don’t know how lucky we are to live in this beautiful area.”

Crisp packets and drink cans were also found at the same area last week, and several smashed bottles and broken glass was found at a basketball court behind The Hub community centre in Minchinhampton yesterday.

This follows two incidents of fly-tipping where waste was dumped in Sevenleaze Lane near Painswick and also in Frith Wood in Slad.

Residents have also reported seeing litter on Rodborough Common and on the Jubilee Playing Fields in Cam.

Cllr Pickering said: “There is never an excuse for dropping litter or for fly tipping. In addition to litter bins provided by parish and town councils, and private landlords and developers, Stroud District Council has more than 1,000 litter and dog waste bins across the district including 34 in King's Stanley.”

He added: “During the peak of the coronavirus pandemic we managed to maintain essential services such as the household waste and recycling service, and have now re-introduced the bulky waste collection service.

““The Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Pyke Quarry, Horsley is now open again for pre-booked visits.”

“Littering is a criminal offence, punishable by fixed penalty notice fines of £75.

“ Where council officers are able to identify offenders we will take enforcement action. Fortunately, the vast majority of people are able to find a bin and dispose of their litter correctly, or take it home.”

If anyone sees litter or fly tipping, or notices a bin that needs emptying they can report it on the Stroud District Council website via bit.ly/2TCBw2j