Calls for action as fly-tipping blights Black Country scenery
Fly-tippers have been accused of blighting a countryside walk near a well known beauty spot prompting campaigners to call for action.
Rubbish has been dumped on Limestone Walk which led people on a route between Dudley Caste and Sedgley's Beacon Hill.
It takes walkers on a route through Wrens Nest Nature Reserve which is a site of special scientific interest.
But in recent days residents have alerted councillors to waste dumped along the route.
Bill Etheridge, ward councillor for Sedgley, said he was appalled at the state of Limestone Way after it was targeted by litter-bugs.
The countryside walk has been left in a disgusting state by fly-tippers according to Councillor Etheridge - who is also a UKIP MEP for the West Midlands.
A selection of rubbish, including two settees, is strewn all over the path.
Even a sign on Forest Road denoting the picturesque route has been subject to graffiti.
Councillor Etheridge claimed fly-tipping was a growing problem in the borough and urged people to be alert and report hotspots.
"This walk takes in some important geological and historical sites and should be a tourist attraction," he said.
"It's not much of an advert for Dudley in the state it is in now.
"I have asked the council to clean the area as a matter of urgency, but it's the flytippers I am most annoyed with."
Councillor Etheridge has pointed out several instances of dumping rubbish recently, including one on the Co-op car park in Sedgley.
He paid out of his own pocket to clear a rat-infested dumping ground at the rear of houses in Aston Road, Dudley.
Councillor Etheridge said: "Dudley borough has so many tourist possibilities, which could bring greater wealth to the area.
"I am disgusted by those whose thoughtless actions ruin the environment and the enjoyment of others."
In Dudley there were 820 reports of fly-tipping in 2014/15 – up 12 per cent from 782 three years before.
Cost jumped from £35,339 in 2012/13 to £45,366 in 2014/15.
Dudley Council prosecuted five people last year, nine the previous year and 12 in 2012/13.
It comes after arsonist targeted rubbish left strewn on wasteland in Moxley by nearby Bilston in recent weeks.
Vandals set light to dozens of tyres on waste land off Bull Lane, for the third time in less than a month.
