A PILE of junk and garden rubbish was dumped by fly-tippers in a car park on North Hill on Christmas Eve and could not be removed until New Year’s Day.

Overlooking Minehead, with far reaching views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel, it is a popular area for local walkers and visitors alike.

“The irony is that North Hill is only a couple of miles from the recycling centre in Minehead,” said Exmoor national park ranger Tim Parish.

“Judging by the rubbish left, someone has been carrying out landscaping with a new garden fence.

“This selfish act has a sizeable cost for the taxpayer in clearing it, while also ruining the enjoyment of the area for people over the Christmas period.”

He appealed to anyone who sees any suspicious activity to make a note of the vehicle registration number and report it to West Somerset District Council on 01643 703704.

Fly-tipping is a criminal act and there have been a number of successful prosecutions in Somerset. Everyone has a responsibility for their waste, even after it has left their home or premises, and failure to take reasonable care can lead to fines and a criminal record.

People should always ask to see a waste carrier’s licence if they are paying someone to remove rubbish. Their details can be checked with Environment Agency. Search online for ‘waste carriers and dealers register’.