Angry pensioner clears rubbish from open space 'The Hillies' in Bracebridge Heath
A home-made sledge, empty beer cans and bagged-up dog mess were among the rubbish collected by a fed-up resident who set out to clean up a litter hot-spot near her home.
Barbara Varlow, 74, tackled an area in Bracebridge Heath which is known locally as The Hillies.
The green open space has a public footpath which is part of the Viking Way.
Mrs Varlow said litter was a constant problem in the area but it had become worse since the recent wintry conditions.
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"Litter in this area is a perennial problem, especially after we've had snow," said Mrs Varlow, who has done her own litter pick and alerted the district council to the fly-tipping.
"Someone has taken the trouble to make a sledge from a table top and chair but could not be bothered to take it home.
"If you can carry a can of whatever then why can't you carry the empty tin home?
"It makes me wonder what people's homes are like. They must be knee-deep in filth and rubbish.
"I would urge people to take their litter with them. If you're out walking a dog you could take a bag and take a few items of litter home with you.
"Dog walkers should take their dog's mess away with them.
"If items are too heavy for people to carry, just let the council know and they will come and collect them.
"If they don't know items are there, they won't pick them up."
Mark Taylor, head of environment and public protection at North Kesteven District Council, thanked Mrs Varlow for her efforts but warned against people touching fly-tipped waste.
"We are most grateful to Barbara for bringing this matter to our attention and raising the profile of how unsightly fly-tipping is," he said.
"Although fly-tipping is not a huge issue in the district when compared with some other local authority areas, we take a proactive and robust stance on fly-tipping.
"We will seek to prosecute offenders who commit such crimes.
"If any resident discovers fly-tipped waste we would advise them not to touch the waste as it could be dangerous.
"It may contain syringes, broken glass, asbestos, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances.
"Visually inspect the waste to try and determine what the waste consists of and how much there is.
"Take note of its exact location and also whether it is in or near water.
"If possible do not disturb the site as there may be evidence that could help identify the culprits and lead to their prosecution."
To report fly-tipping visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk, call 01529 414155, 01522 699699, or e-mail customer_services@ n-kesteven.gov.uk
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