FLYTIPPING on Malvern Hills Conservators' land has risen more than five-fold since Malvern's waste site closed down.

Twenty-eight incidents were dealt with between January and March, as oppose to five in the same period last year.

The waste site at Newland closed on January 12 for major refurbishment. It is due to open again in May.

Conservators' director Ian Rowat said among the dumping hot spots were the Hollybush area and West of England Quarry in West Malvern.

"Luckily the public are vigilant and they let us know it's there so we can get it moved quickly," he said. "If you leave it there, it just attracts more tipping."

He said the items dumped included garden waste, such as tree prunings, household waste and building waste.

"It's the building waste which is the most difficult to clear up," said Mr Rowat.

"We are very grateful to everyone who informs us about these incidents and I hope they'll keep on doing so."

Mr Rowat praised the Conservators' wardens for their hard work.

The Newland site is owned by Worcestershire County Council but operated by Severn Waste Services.

While it is closed, Severn Waste is emptying skips at its sites in Hanley Road, Upton, and Little Marcle Road, Ledbury, in order to help cope with the increased use. Opening hours at the Upton site have also been extended; it is now open 8am to 6pm seven days a week.

Paul Sobczyk of Malvern Hills District Council, which is responsible for litter collection, said he had not noticed an But he said: "Fly tipping is never acceptable. While the site is closed, we are running a free collection service for bulky household waste, such as mattresses, sofas, cookers, fridges and TVs." To contact the service, call 01684 8652470.

MHDC is also providing parish skips for bulky goods, which are being advertised on parish notice boards.

Skips are also being left in the Victoria Road car park, Great Malvern, and Geraldine Road car park, Barnards Green, on alternate Mondays.

The county council has given £20,000 to MHDC to fund these measures.