New blow for woodland campaigners

Wooden fence posts and barbed wire were left scattered in a field

Campaigners who cleared 100 tons of fly-tipped rubbish from a woodland area have been dealt a new blow after a 4x4 vehicle damaged fencing and a gate.

The Bredhurst Woodland Action Group (BWAG), in Kent, said tyre tracks were visible in an area known as Day Valley.

A spokeswoman said the barbed wire and wood fence had been "smashed to pieces" while three concrete bollards had also been dislodged from the ground.

Kent Police said the incident on Saturday evening was being looked into.

"Police are keen to work with the local authority and the Bredhurst Woodland Action Group to stop this nuisance behaviour which prevents people from being able to enjoy the area," a statement said.

The action group, which is tackling fly-tipping and off-road vehicles in Monkdown Wood and Bredhurst Hurst, said the fencing and kissing gate were only installed three weeks ago.

Fly-tippers have been dumping rubbish in the Bredhurst woodland

"It would appear the driver's sole purpose was to create as much damage as possible," said Vanessa Jones, BWAG spokeswoman and Bredhurst Parish Council's vice-chair.

"This demonstrates that a solution is needed as a matter of urgency."

BWAG is working to protect the 600 acres of land which are designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

The fly-tipping clean-up day last Wednesday involved about 60 people as well as tractors, trailers and a JCB digger.

Mrs Jones said it had been a "tremendous effort" but that more rubbish needed to be cleared and many footpaths and bridleways were in need of renovation.