A DISGUSTED neighbour hit out at litterbugs responsible for flytipping a huge pile of rubbish onto a Rushey Platt field.

Tony Loan contacted Swindon Borough Council after spotting the massive mess covering a green space next to Scott Way.

He claims this is far from the first time that people have dumped their waste onto the site and worries about the amount of taxpayers' money being spent on tidying it all up.

Tony urged people to be more responsible for their rubbish and recalled a similar mound of waste material piling up around the same time last year.

He added: “The council spent weeks last time clearing the field next to Scott Way.

“I wonder how much was spent last year clearing the field? The sooner this is addressed, then obviously the more public money will be saved.”

This latest complaint comes after figures revealed that piles of flytipped waste are discovered around Swindon four times a day on average.

The number of reports to the council about chucked-away rubbish is rising and the discarded trash is most often found on footpaths and bridleways.

Data shows people reported 1,504 flytipping incidents in 2019/20, which is 69 more than the previous year.

The council took action over 713 flytipping offences, which included 522 investigations,171 warning letters and 17 fines.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “Residents are reminded to ensure that if they arrange for removal of waste from their property then they must ensure that the business is licensed to do so and that they have a duty of care to do this.

“Otherwise they can be held personally responsible for any flytipping and costs arising from this illegal activity.

“We share residents’ concerns about flytipping and the negative impact this has on everyone’s enjoyment of our outdoor spaces and our countryside, more so since lockdown as we all appreciate the need to get outside and feel close to nature.

“If you see any flytipping, please let us know by calling 01793 445500 or reporting it via the council’s website at swindon.gov.uk/info/20023/environmental_problems/28/report_fly-tipping_or_dumped_rubbish

“If you have rubbish which you need to dispose of which won’t go in your black bin or your green bin, you can book an appointment to take it to the Household Waste Recycling Centre by visiting swindon.gov.uk/info/20015/bins_rubbish_and_recycling/1118/book_a_visit_to_the_household_waste_recycling_centre_hwrc”