A GREEN recycling scheme has been scrapped - because it turned into a dump for old televisions and fridges.

Enraged residents signed a petition in protest as the used compound at Nature's World, Middlesbrough, was turned into an eyesore dump.

Stuart Goldie, manager of the pioneering green issues centre, said his board of directors was left with no alternative but to give Middlesbrough Council notice that the recycling bins on the site would have to go.

The council issued warnings yesterday that it would prosecute anyone continuing to dump on the site after it closes at the end of the month.

Mr Goldie said: "It's really disappointing to see because this is an environment centre where one of the things we are trying to do is encourage people to recycle.

"We work very closely with Middlesbrough Council developing the site. Apparently, it's one of the most heavily used recycling facilities in the area.

"But we were blighted by a spate of fly tipping. We have had televisions, old washing machines and old carpets dumped. It is very heavily used as a recycling area and a lot of people will be disappointed."

It is understood the centre suggested in vain that the council install a security camera. Between 70 to 80 residents signed the petition.

Mr Goldie said: "It was the majority of houses that neighbour us. Once you start getting negative reaction from the neighbours about things like this, it is counter productive."

The nearest alternative recycling site is at the Parkway Centre in Coulby Newham.