AN Almondbury man says Kirklees Council has let a hedgerow near his home become a dumping ground.

John Crossley says the council has ignored the eyesore for decades.

The hedgerow runs along a pathway behind houses on Tinderley Grove, near Mr Crossley's home on Fernside Avenue.

The pathway links a field with Bank End Lane.

Mr Crossley says old beds, bicycle parts, chairs, old sofas and other litter is regularly left in the hedgerow. It then spreads into the field.

Kirklees sold the land to a private landowner six months ago, but Mr Crossley said the problem existed when the land was council-owned.

He has spoken to council animal welfare officers because there are horses in the field and dogs are walked there. His own dog was hurt by broken glass.

He has also asked highways officers to help, but has been told nothing can be done because it is private land.

Mr Crossley added: "The council didn't clean it when it was theirs. Why should the new owner pay? He is not tipping.

"It is a health and safety problem and a fire hazard. It is close to houses and in dry weather it would only take a small spark to set it alight."

A Kirklees spokeswoman said the council removes rubbish from its land.

On private land, the council finds the owner and asks them to clear up. If the owner cannot be found and the area is dangerous, the council will clear the litter.

She added: "We follow up every case of fly-tipping reported to us. If we can get evidence we prosecute."