FLY-TIPPING on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has increased by 15 per cent in a year, with incidents including a freezer full of rotting food and building waste dumped at Stack Rocks.

Rising rates of fly-tipping are threatening to turn these national treasures from hot spots into grot spots says Welsh Government sponsored Fly-tipping Action Wales as it appeals for public vigilance during National Parks Week.

Pembrokeshire’s national park has seen fly-tipping rise from 150 incidents in 2015-16, to 176 in 2016-17.

Libby Taylor, ranger service manager at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, said: “As one of Wales’ leading tourist destinations, people are often surprised to learn that fly-tipping can be a serious problem here on the coastline.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen all sorts of waste dumped, including a freezer filled with rotten food and building waste left at Stack Rocks - a stunning and remote cliff-top location.

“Unfortunately, our rangers, wardens and visitors are encountering this illegally dumped waste along the coast all too often, not to mention the environmental impact and the harm to wildlife it causes.”

Gary Evans, programme manager at Fly-tipping Action Wales, added: “Our message to people in Wales is simple – dispose of your waste responsibly.

“If you’re paying someone to take away unwanted large household items, always ask to see their waste carrier licence and ask where they are taking your waste so it doesn’t end up dumped in the countryside. If you come across fly-tipped waste when out and about report it immediately to your local authority waste team.”