Fly-tipped sofas and mattresses block entrance to Northampton nature reserve car park

A big pile of fly-tipped rubbish has been dumped outside a nature reserve in Northampton with some of it even blocking the car park entrance.

Four sofas, two mattresses, some broken-up wooden furniture and more has been left by the entrance to Stornton Pits in Sixfields.

Some more rubbish has gathered to the edges of the car park too - the old gravel pit remains open during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Wildlife Trust in Northamptonshire, which manages the beauty spot, said: "Fly-tipping is illegal and poses a danger to both people and wildlife.

"It's really sad that some individuals dump waste with little thought of those who have to clear up.

"There have been widespread escalations of anti-social behaviour during the last year, and unfortunately the actions of a few people mean that staff and volunteers have to spend time clearing up rubbish when they could be working on more important projects such as creating and restoring wildlife habitats."

Leila Coker, a freelance photographer who noticed the fly-tip while on a run, said fly-tipping in the area is 'getting out of hand' and suggested putting up a gate at night.

A rat was spotted among a large pile of rubbish near Sixfields Reservoir last in January, while it was revealed that Northampton has the fourth-highest rate for fly-tipping in England last month.

A Northampton Borough Council spokesperson has previously said the best way to report any issues with fly-tipping is to visit its website or use its app.