A GLUT of flytipping in Worcestershire hedgerows could be the result of moves to end bulky waste collections, residents fear.

Wychavon District Council has announced it is putting the bulky waste service on hold while it carries out a review of the system.

Now some people believe that without the collections - previously staged twice a year in Evesham, Pershore and Broadway - the district's ditches and hedgerows could become a dumping ground for the waste.

"I think we shall see all sorts of bedsteads and fridges in the hedgerows, which will be devastating," Evesham major Diana Raphael.

"As the recipient of unwanted goods discarded on my property, I think the collection service is exceptionally valuable. We have beds, cars, fridges and chairs that we have to dispose of.

"I do think that the council are under some obligation to clear people's waste. Otherwise what are they supposed to do with it?"

Peter Riley, chairman of Broadway Parish Council, said: "It is an ideal service for us here in Broadway because otherwise we get the ditches filled with rubbish. We are resisting moves to scrap it very strongly."

Hazardous

The council says it has halted the service temporarily because of people putting out hazardous waste for collection, as well as piles of rubbish blocking pavements and several cases of fires being started by vandals in refuse awaiting collection.

It is now consulting parish and town councils on the best way forward.

Pershore's Mayor, Richard Hampton, said he hoped some form of bulky waste collection service would be reinstated.

But he warned: "It relies on sensible use by the public and it only takes a few people to spoil it."

He agreed that because of the need to protect staff from hazardous waste the district was right to call a halt pending the review of the service.