ROTTING mattresses and festering fridges were among the items removed from an area in Romsey thanks to a council clean-up.

Test Valley Borough Council’s Environmental Services team took on the job at land near Viney Avenue in its latest ‘Sparkle Day’, part of its ‘Love Where You Live’ litter campaign.

Workers cleared 5.5 tonnes of waste, including 30 tyres, following complaints from residents about an area of scrubland being used as a waste dump.

The Sparkle Day team worked with council colleagues to cut down hazardous trees and install fencing to make the site safe for the public and prevent further fly-tipping. It will now be monitored by Environmental Services officers.

Throughout the day the team also visited residents to offer advice on waste and recycling and handed out more than 400 Green Guides to Recycling in Test Valley.

Environment Portfolio Holder, Peter Boulton, said: “The unowned land was in dreadful condition, presenting a real risk to public health and the Environmental Service worked very hard to make it safe and secure for local residents.”

The next Sparkle Day will be in Fyfield and Kimpton near Andover on November 21. For more information visit testvalley.gov.uk/love.