A POPULAR recycling spot is to close after people have dumped food waste and other rubbish there.

Ledbury people will have fewer places to recycle rubbish as the recycling bins are removed from Tesco's car park.

Following complaints from members of the public over the unsightly state of the recycling area, Tesco manager Mel Yates has taken the hard decision to start removing the bins, which are meant for items including bottles, cans, plastic and cardboard.

The final straw for Mr Yates was when someone dumped a chest of drawers on the site this week.

Mr Yates said: "We have had complaints from customers and ongoing problems with all sorts being dumped.

"Just recently we had household waste and food waste being dumped. Someone this week dumped drawers; and so, in consultation with customers and colleagues, all of whom back the idea of losing the facilities, as it will look tidier and free up parking spaces, I have reluctantly started to remove the recycling bins."

He added: "This service was liked by many people, but the actions of an untidy minority have forced this decision. I do understand there are similar facilities elsewhere, close by; so the community still has these facilities available."

There are still recycling bins at Co-op, off New Street.

Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Annette Crowe, said she "completely understood" the reason behind Mr Yates's decision, although she feared some people would merely resort to fly-tipping elsewhere.

Recently, Ledbury bypass in particular has been blackspot for fly-tipping

Cllr Crowe said: "I know recycling facilities at Tesco's have been well used, but I completely understand where Mel is coming from.

"Food waste could attract rats and vermin, and if the area is untidy, he doesn't want that on the Tesco's site. But I would like to see the bins re-sited somewhere else in Ledbury. I hope Herefordshire Council can provide something.

"There's always the risk that fly-tipping could happen elsewhere."