A RECYCLING centre turned into an “eye-sore” by fly-tippers is set to be closed.

The ‘bring-banks’ in Hurn will be removed on August 1 after items including washing machines, mattresses, builders’ rubble and tyres were illegally dumped there.

Trees were planted to screen the site, and Christchurch Borough Council even installed CCTV cameras there to deter tippers, only to have them stolen.

Councillor Margaret Phipps, chair of Hurn Parish Council and a borough and county councillor, said: “The problem has become increasingly urgent, with the area attracting more waste daily. “Repeated efforts to combat fly-tipping have had little effect and removal of the banks is now the only option to stop it for good.”

Last year, there were 522 reported incidents of fly-tipping in Christchurch, of which the Hurn site accounted for 12 per cent.

Director of the Dorset Waste Partnership, Steve Burdis, said: “Fly-tipping by a thoughtless minority has long been a source of misery for local residents and I am pleased we have reached a joint decision to tackle the problem.

“Clearing up fly-tipping is expensive. Councils need to focus their resources on increasing people’s ability to recycle while removing opportunities for anti-social dumping.”

He added that other recycling centres are available nearby, and residents can recycle an unlimited amount of materials including plastic bottles, cardboard and glass at the kerbside.”

Fly-tipping carries a fine of up to £50,000 or a 12-month prison sentence. Big items should be taken to a household recycling centre (HRC).

Christchurch HRC on Wilverley Road is open seven days a week and accepts a wide range of household and garden waste. To report fly-tipping, go to dorsetforyou.com/flytipping or call (01305) 221040.