FLY-tippers have tarnished the community spirit after dumping a lorry-load of conifer cuttings in Lowestoft - just days after the area had been cleaned.

FLY-tippers have tarnished the community spirit after dumping a lorry-load of conifer cuttings in Lowestoft - just days after the area had been cleaned.

The Journal's Tidy Town campaign, led by Waveney Norse and Waveney District Council, continues to highlight the hotspots across the town.

And with reports of fly-tipping down this week as volunteers were out conducting spring cleans in the community, residents in Ontario Road expressed concern that their recent rubbish-free record had been blemished.

Mike Daniels, cleansing service manager for Waveney said: 'Reports of fly-tipping in Lowestoft have generally been low this week, but a lorry-load of conifer cuttings have been dumped at Latymere Dam, just days after we had cleaned the area.

'We would like to remind residents considering tree works to ensure they secure the services of a reputable company and make the necessary checks about how they intend on disposing of the waste. If they do not dispose of it correctly, it could well be traced back to you during any resulting fly-tipping investigation.

'A sofa was reported at Ontario Road, which is disappointing for the local residents who set up an action group to look after their access way,' Mr Daniels added. They have expressed concern and hope that this is not the start of a bigger problem. They have been very pleased that their area has remained litter and fly-tipping free during the last six months.'

In other reported incidents this week, mattresses were dumped at Leisure Way, furniture was left at Hervey Street, carpets at Kimberley Road and builders waste at Westhall Road.

But there was a ray of good news this week, as the drop in fly-tipping led to the council's cleansing teams being able to target Kirkley Ham and the old Lowestoft railway line at the weekend to remove litter and fly-tipping. This week they will be targeting rural routes for litter and assisting a number of volunteer groups who are conducting spring cleans.

The Friends of Gunton Woods joined forces at the weekend for a litter pick. The rubbish was picked up in record time as an amazing 54 people joined in.

The group collected over 50 bags together with some tyres and two bikes. They also unearthed a large metal grill panel and a mattress, which the cleansing team arranged to collect, along with the rest of the waste picked up on the day.