COUNCILLORS have called for a collective effort in reducing flytipping incidents across the conurbation after a boat has been found dumped by the roadside.

The boat, measuring roughly four metres in length, was found discarded beside the A35 from Lyndhurst close to the boundary with Christchurch town.

The vessel, which has been hollowed out and no longer has an outboard, has been left beside the busy road has been there for over a week along with a mound of other waste items.

Ward councillor for Burton and Grange Simon McCormack said: "Flytipping is a criminal activity and councillors have been working very hard since the creation of BCP Council just over two years ago to help reduce the number of incidents of fly tipping using a range of modern techniques.

“BCP Council, Dorset Police and residents all have a role to play in tackling this crime and if members of the public have any information regarding this particular flytip, or any other, I would encourage them to contact Dorset police on 101 or the council on 01202 123456."

Bournemouth Echo: The boat that was discarded beside the A35 from Lyndhurst on the entrance to Christchurch town

Earlier this year, BCP Council launched a new pilot scheme to help crackdown of repeat offenders of fly-tipping in rural areas of Dorset.

The suggested method of dealing with fly-tipping, which would have seen an outsourced fly-tipping enforcement service take over responsibility for the council’s work, was approved by BCP Council despite criticism from councillors who said that other options had not been properly considered.

Prior to the global climate change summit, Scottish Conservative Murdo Fraser started working on a Members’ Bill which could also make those who dump rubbish illegally responsible for cleaning it up.

Bournemouth Echo: The boat that was discarded beside the A35 from Lyndhurst on the entrance to Christchurch town

Fixed-penalty notices of £200 can currently be imposed on those caught dumping rubbish.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a flytipped boat on the side of the A35 into Christchurch which our highways team will clear.

“Through our Cleaner, Greener, Safer campaign, we’re determined bring back a sense of pride to our place and work towards reducing flytips across our conurbation.”