The discovery of fly-tips in a ditch in Standish has been greeted with anger.

One of Stroud District Council's neighbourhood wardens was forced to call in reinforcements, such was the quantity of rubbish that needed clearing.

“Sadly we have to clear around 900 illegal fly tips every year, and where we are able to we will prosecute - fly tipping is illegal and should be reported to Stroud District Council,” said the council's environment committee chair Simon Pickering.

“One of Stroud District Council’s key priorities is the environment. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful district but sadly a small minority break the law by dumping household waste, and litter.

"I applaud the efforts of our Neighbourhood Wardens in clearing this mess and many others, however this comes at a financial cost to the council and means they can devote less time to other duties.

“There is no excuse for this behaviour - household recycling centres including Pyke Quarry at Horsley are open by appointment only and taking bookings.”

More information on bookings is at gloucestershirerecycles.com/household-recycling-centres-hrcs

To report a flytip, visit stroud.gov.uk/report/report-fly-tipping-dumped-litter

Follow the Stroud District Council neighbourhood wardens on Twitter at @sdc_wardens