A DOG-WALKER who discovered a pile of fly-tipped junk on top of a hill has accused the council of driving offenders to the crime.

George Lee, 69, came across a three-piece suite and other assorted pieces of rubbish during an early morning stroll on Gould’s Hill, between Upwey and Martinstown.

He claims that residents struggle to dispose of furniture because there is a ban on taking vans to the tip and the pick-up and pay service isn’t well publicised.

“Look at it from the fly-tippers’ perspective for a change – someone who has got a three-piece suite in their house may not be aware that someone can pick it up for a charge.

“The furniture is too big to fit in a car, so if you borrow a van and try to take it to the tip, you won’t be allowed to enter because it would be classed as commercial waste.

“With a bit more help from the council, fly-tipping wouldn’t be such a big problem.”

Mr Lee said the dumped furniture spoilt a beautiful view.

“A lot of people come up the hill to view Maiden Castle and to see the sunset.

“So many people use the area, not just local people.

“I was aghast when I saw that someone had come up to the top of the hill to dump it.”

Retired Upwey resident Mr Lee said he wants to see a more pro-active approach to fly-tipping from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

“Instead of lambasting what we class as unpleasant people, fly-tippers, let’s put the onus on the council.

“We need a different policy in accepting domestic furniture when it arrives at the tip.

“It’s all very well being a bully-boy and attacking the fly-tippers, but people may not be aware of what’s available to them.

“There’s a bigger picture.”

The council’s community safety spokesman said that the county council provided information about van restrictions and what can be taken to the household recycling centres at Lodmoor and Easton Lane at www.dorsetforyou.com.

Councillor Tim Munro said: “Anyone without internet access can call the county council’s waste management helpline on 01305 225002.

“To dispose of large household items such as furniture and white goods, Weymouth and Portland residents can contact the council on 01305 838000 and we can arrange for our contractor to carry out a special collection.

“The minimum charge for a collection of a maximum of three items is £20, plus £8 per extra item.

“There is lots of information about recycling and waste on our website, but anyone with any queries at all about these services can also contact us by phone on 01305 838000 for advice or to give feedback.”