LOCALS who dump their unwanted scrap at a well-known site in Cinderford could be prosecuted.

For many years people have dropped off electrical appliances and metal on the side of the road in Hastings Road and a scrap dealer has collected and disposed of it.

However, following complaints from residents, the council has stepped in and said those caught could face prosecution.

Residents say that the items are not only an 'eyesore' but fridges and freezers, which have had their doors left on, are also posing a threat to wildlife and young children who may be playing in the area.

Cllr Marrilyn Smart, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "Following intervention by the council's enforcement team the land at Hastings Road is no longer being used by the scrap metal merchant in question. 

"We would remind householders and businesses alike that they have a duty to dispose of their items responsibly and legally and should not be leaving any items at Hastings Road, which is classed as fly-tipping. 

"The continued dumping of unwanted items on public land like this is totally unacceptable and is costly to remove, with the most recent clear up costing many hundreds of pounds of tax payers' money."

Large domestic items can be taken to the Household Recycling Centre at Broadwell, Coleford and disposed of for free.

•CONCERNS residents have about mounting piles of scrap in a Cinderford car park has to be dealt with by the land owners, says the Forest council.

Locals fear an area at the back of the former Westgate store, where white electrical appliances including fridges and freezers are dumped, is a public health and safety concern.

A spokesperson for the district council said: "The council has been made aware of the issue and are currently looking into it. To clarify: it is the responsibility of the landowner to remove the items and secure the land to make it safe."

A resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's the safety of the children who are playing in the area who I fear will injure themselves, which concerns me the most."