RUBBISH illegally dumped in a Worcestershire village lane is finally set to be removed after a dispute between two councils meant it has remained in place for about four months.

The fly-tipping took place in Peopleton, near Pershore, in January and was reported to Wychavon District Council.

But a difference of opinion between the local authority and highways department, run by Worcestershire County Council, as to who was responsible for removing the rubbish led to a delay in clearing the mess.

Gill and John Creed, of Bowbrook Close in Peopleton, have tried to avoid the lane, which leads from Barrels Bridge to a main road out of the village, since the rubbish has been there.

“The rubbish is being dumped in the bridleway and there is a dispute between the highways and the council about who should take it away,” said Mr Creed.

“It is a difficult situation. There’s an awful lot there. Fly-tipping is an awful thing and nobody seems to get caught. It is upsetting that people do that sort of thing.

“We walk the dog regularly down there and it is a source of frustration that people can’t work it out between themselves.”

Action finally took place thanks to the Worcester News’ sister paper the Evesham Journal who contacted the county council. They agreed to remove the rubbish but were clear the authority does not accept responsibility.

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council’s highways manager, said: “Although the removal of litter and refuse is not the responsibility of the county council, we are sympathetic to the frustrations of local residents and we have decided on this occasion to clear the highway concerned.”

Sharon Casswell, client services manager at Wychavon, added: “We’re very sorry this fly-tipping hasn’t been cleaned up sooner. It’s a dreadful blight on our countryside and we take a very hard line on those who commit this act. “We will work with Worcestershire County Council to ensure this gets cleared up quickly and resolve confusion regarding responsibility.”