A LARGE pile of concrete and rubble was dumped on allotments in Hartlepool.

Allotment holders, or people living near to the site, are being asked to come forward with information after the rubble was flytipped on a road forming part of Stranton Allotments, off Brierton Lane.

The waste has now been removed.

Councillor Marjorie James, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s neighbourhood services policy committee, said: “The issue of fly-tipping is a recurring problem on many allotment sites across the town and gardeners regularly tell us how they are fed up with the mess, damage and resulting vermin infestations.

"The cost of clearing up dumped rubbish is also a big drain on the council’s resources.”

The latest fly-tipping incident occurred just before the council installed a new height restrictor bar at the main entrance to the Stranton Allotments site.

The bar is intended to stop dumpers getting on to the site by blocking access to vehicles more than two metres – but doesn’t affect the majority of gardeners’ vehicles.

Cllr James added: “Hopefully, the bar will prevent further incidences of fly-tipping from occurring but it is important that people continue to act as our eyes and ears and report anything suspicious.

"We always seek to prosecute fly-tippers and convicted offenders run the risk of incurring substantial fines and having their vehicles seized.

“We are also keen to work closely with allotment associations and tenants to ensure that gardeners get the most out of their plots.”

Witnesses should call on 01429-523333.