Criminals dump waste beside A556

5:40pm Monday 28th April 2008

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TONS of rubbish have been dumped near a grass verge off the A556.

The waste includes hundreds of pieces of building materials such as plastic pipes, wooden boards and metal containers.

There are also piles of branches, tree trunks and at least 20 car tyres.

Richard Jackson, a locum vet who lives nearby at Tanyard Farm in Ashley, said it was a disgrace.

"I couldn't believe it," he said.

"People must be stopping on the A556 itself and chucking things down there."

To see video of the site please click here.

The rubbish has been dumped near the A556 between Millington Lane and the M56 roundabout.

Drivers can park just yards away in a lay-by and walk to the entrance to the site.

It is believed residents have reported the problem at least three times before.

"It's not just a recent thing," said Mr Jackson. Residents mentioned the problem to Mr Jackson, who was visiting houses as part of his campaign to be elected to the new Cheshire East Council.

So he visited the site to see for himself.

Last week the Guardian also went to have a look.

The path dips down behind the grass verge and only then do the piles of rubbish become visible.

First are the mounds of rotting branches and broken drainpipes, wood and other building debris.

Towards the back of the site there are at least 20 black tyres.

Macclesfield Borough Council said there was about 80 tons of rubbish on the site.

But it said the land belonged to Cheshire County Council and it was responsible for clearing up the mess.

"We are writing to our county council colleagues to raise the issue," said corporate manager Paul Morgan.

Fly-tipping costs taxpayers in England and Wales between £100million and £150million a year. Residents can report fly-tipping to the borough council on 01625 500500 or to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.