A NEW FOREST beauty spot has been targeted by fly-tippers, as incidents across Hampshire continue to rise.

The contents of a living room have been dumped at Deerleap in Colbury and has been reported to New Forest District Council.

The pile of rubbish included a TV, old sofa, discarded wood, a household fan and a table was discovered on Sunday night.

Cllr Barry Rickman, the leader of New Forest District Council, said: “Fly-tipping is unacceptable and puts our residents, wildlife and environment at risk.

“I urge all businesses and householders to check that the company or individual who is offering to take their waste has a waste carriers licence. This can be checked on the Environment Agency’s waste carrier register, accessible through gov.uk. If they do not have a licence, do not use them.”

Bruce Rothnie, deputy surveyor for the Forest Commission, said: “We work closely with other partners in the New Forest and in particular we participate in the joint New Forest Litter Working Group with the New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest District Council. The focus of this group is to raise awareness of the issues around littering and fly-tipping and to coordinate direct action where necessary or educate residents and visitors about litter.

“Last year, the Forestry Commission spent over £70,000 on scheduled litter removal in the New Forest and our reports show there’s been an increase in the dumping of hazardous waste, which in turn increases the amount we spend on clearing away rubbish.

“The scale and cost is considerable, but our funds are limited.”

The incident comes after Drummond Drive in Southampton was found to have been fly-tipped more than 75 times in the last six months.

Hampshire County Council has also announced plans to employ a troubleshooter to tackle the issue head on with tougher prosecutions and fines.

The council has cleaned up the waste but is asking anyone with information to call 023 8028 5000.