CIVIC bosses have vowed to crack down on "selfish" fly-tippers in Test Valley.

Council members are investigating their fourth major dumping in three weeks after a Rownhams lane was left blocked, and fridges dumped in Houghton.

Now, leaders at Test Valley Borough Council have said they will not tolerate the 'despicable' crime and are "determined to bring whoever is responsible to justice".

MP for Romsey, Caroline Nokes, has also put her backing behind the council in their bid to bring those responsible to account.

After waste was dumped at Woodley Cemetery last month, another fly-tip blocked traffic on the road at Toothill in Rownhams last Thursday.

This also follows the 50 tyres that were dumped in North Baddesley, and fridges left in a field in Houghton.

Environmental portfolio holder Graham Stallard said: "Fly-tipping is a despicable crime and it will not be tolerated. We are determined to bring whoever is responsible to justice.

"As Test Valley is largely rural, it is sadly targeted by people who think they can get away with it. This is not the case and we will do everything in our power. This type of crime is one that affects us all, as it is ultimately the taxpayer who has to foot the bill to clear it up."

Leader of the council, Phil North, had previously called those who left waste at Woodley Cemetery in Romsey, 'scumbags' after the incident.

Romsey MP Caroline Nokes has said she will do everything she can to support the council's actions going forward.

She said: "I am very concerned about the growing number of incidents of fly-tipping in Romsey. "All too often people forget the impact this has on those affected, both the council taxpayer who has to fund the clean-up on public land, but also the landowners, the majority of whom are farmers, who have to clean up the mess themselves.

"I fully support any action taken by Test Valley Borough Council to prosecute those who selfishly litter the countryside with their waste."