BEER cans, plastic bags and a television screen have been dumped as rubbish piles up alongside a section of Bournemouth railway.

The waste is located by the section of the line near Southbourne Road and Pokesdown station.

Boscombe councillors hit out at the fly-tipping, raising concerns about safety and the cost associated with clearing it up, which on this occasion falls to Network Rail.

Boscombe East ward councillor Andy Jones said he had not been aware of the latest dump by the railway line but would be in contact with Network Rail to ensure the issue was addressed.

“It needs to be cleared because it is a safety risk,” said Cllr Jones.

“It is difficult to suggest what preventative measures you can put in place above what is already there.

“I will have discussions with Network Rail but I am not entirely sure on that piece of bridge what can be done.

“It doesn’t bear thinking about what could happen. It is causing danger to life.”

Fly-tipping is now a criminal offence and carries a fine of up to £1,000.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “The waste on railway land close to Pokesdown station has been reported to our local maintenance team and will be removed when they are next scheduled to be working in the area.

“While we appreciate that this looks unpleasant, Network Rail has a limited amount of funding and must prioritise keeping the railway running safely and reliably.

“Anyone with concerns about fly-tipping on the railway is advised to call Network Rail’s 24/7 Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or contact the British Transport Police.”

Network Rail said fly-tipping can lead to disruption for train services.

“Litter can attract rats that can chew on cables leading to signal failures, delays and even accidents, while metal cans and foil can cause problems with the signalling system and the electrical conductor rail which powers trains,” added the spokesperson.

Boscombe West ward councillor Phil Stanley-Watts previously raised concerns about large quantities of fly-tipping on railway land that runs alongside St Clement’s Road.

“It is a big health and safety risk,” said Cllr Stanley-Watts.

“People doing this do not seem to care.

“They should be brought forward and forced to pay for the costs of having it removed.

“This is putting people’s lives in danger, which is totally out of order and needs to be addressed.

“There is often mess that is left by people near railway lines nearer to Bournemouth station.

“There needs to be a meeting between Bournemouth Borough Council and Network Rail to sort out the situation.

“Better fencing along the railway might help but at the end of the day it comes down to people acting irresponsibly.”