Rob GarrattA patch of land at East Tuddenham which has been branded as the 'worst fly-tipping hotspot in Breckland' has been given an early spring clean as part of a crackdown on local eyesores.Rob Garratt

A patch of land at East Tuddenham which has been branded as the 'worst fly-tipping hotspot in Breckland' has been given an early spring clean as part of a crackdown on local eyesores.

The lay-by, which has a reputation for attracting layers of dumped rubbish, has been given a thorough seeing-to as part of the ongoing Breckland Blitz clean-up campaign.

And CCTV has been installed at the popular scenic picnic spot, on the south side of Norwich Road heading out of the village, to stop it attracting fly-tippers again.

Pride in Breckland officer Richard Willis said following the clean-up plans were under way to install benches so families can use the space.

He added: 'In certain spots it becomes acceptable to fly tip and here it had become an unofficial recycling dump.

'But now we've cleared it once and for all and it's beautiful again - and there will be no more fly-tipping because we're keeping a very close eye on it.'

The lay-by, which is backed by a pond and surrounded by fields and farmland, has suffered from fly-tipping for so many years that glass and other debris have become embedded in the ground.

Using cash raised from littering and fly-tipping fines Breckland Council called in contractors on Tuesdayto clear the spot.

Breckland enviromental mascot Spike the hedgehog helped out with the clean-up, highlighting the damage done to wildlife though fly-tipping, such as animals getting trapped in debris and valuable wildlife habitats being damaged and destroyed.

Breckland Council executive member for communities and benefits, Theresa Hewett, said: 'We are working to make Breckland a cleaner and greener place for everyone.

'This lay-by is out of public view and has attracted illegal fly tipping for many years. Following the clean-up we will carry out surveillance of the lay-by and make sure that anyone who attempts to fly-tip in the future will be apprehended and prosecuted.'