A ‘disgusting’ and ‘dangerous’ pile of rubbish was dumped just off a rural North Somerset road this week, prompting calls for stronger deterrents for fly-tipping.

The waste was found on a well-used bridleway off Silvermoor Lane on the edge of Banwell near the A370.

The isolated part of the village and the neighbouring village of Puxton have been described as a ‘hotspot’ for fly-tipping by someone who keeps animals in the area.

Victoria Bird, of Locking, who keeps horses nearby and uses the bridleway, told the Mercury: “Fly-tipping is certainly getting worse in this area. In the past three years there have been several incidents.

“I have found fridges and freezers which have been dumped in the river, but this is dangerous.

“There are not many bridleways around and a metal nail in a horse’s foot could be a death penalty, and farmers’ livelihoods could be affected if access is blocked.

“It’s disgusting and unforgivable.”

The waste was left for ‘three or four days’ before it was cleaned up by North Somerset Council staff, according to Ms Bird.

Ms Bird questioned whether appropriate prohibitive measures are in place, and appealed to would-be fly-tippers to think of the impact on wildlife and people nearby.

She added: “CCTV doesn’t seem to be much of a deterrent.

“There needs to be heavier fines, but I don’t know how you can catch people.

“There just doesn’t seem to be much of a deterrent.”

A North Somerset Council spokesman said: “The council takes the issue of fly-tipping very seriously and we will be investigating this case.

“Fly-tipping is extremely antisocial and we will prosecute anyone found to be disposing of rubbish in this reckless way.”