AUTHORITIES are stepping up measures to tackle fly tipping in New Forest beauty spots.

The response comes after waste was dumped at Burbush car park near Burley.

The site is in the National Park and a number of horses were spotted in the vicinity of the rubbish.

The car park is managed by the Forestry Commission, who said they quickly arranged for the waste to be taken away on Tuesday after reports from a member of the public and the area's New Forest keeper.

Bruce Rothnie, deputy surveyor for the Forestry Commission, said: “The scale and cost of removing illegal fly tips is considerable, but our funds are limited, its money that could have been better spent on managing the open forest habitats, planting trees, and providing facilities here in the New Forest.

“Our incident reports show there has been an increase in the dumping of hazardous waste, which in turn increases the amount the Forestry Commission has to spend on disposing of large items and hazardous substances.”

Mr Rothnie added that while the New Forest meets the main criteria for people looking to fly tip - quite and remote - they do not consider it is a special place with many rare plants and animals.

The latest incident at Burbush car park is reportedly the fourth time it has been targeted with fly tipping.

“There are a number of steps that we’re taking to tackle fly tipping, including gates and barriers, and improving visibility of entrances; removing fly tipped waste quickly and installing CCTV in the most frequently affected locations," Mr Rothnie said.

"In addition, we’re working closely with other partners in the New Forest and the number of prosecutions where fly tipped waste has been traced back to residents and local businesses is on the rise.

“Many people don’t know they’re responsible by law if their rubbish is fly tipped by a third party, so people shouldn’t be afraid to ask where their waste is going and request paperwork that shows where it will be disposed.”