FLY-TIPPERS have left a “shocking” trail of rubbish along a five-mile stretch of country lane.

A whole host of industrial items including around 50 bags of soil and bricks, slate tiles, sinks, carpets, mattresses and even a window unit were dumped at the roadside in a “fly-tipping frenzy”.

The trail of waste was discovered by Rother District Council on Monday stretching from the southern end of Coneyburrow Lane to the northern tip of Straight Lane, north west of Bexhill.

The council is asking anyone who has information about the “thoughtless act” to come forward so action can be taken against the perpetrators.

Cllr Tony Ganly, district council cabinet member for recycling, waste and rural affairs, said: “Sadly, cases of people illegally dumping their rubbish are all too common but this was one of the worst cases we have seen.

“Apart from despoiling what is a pleasant rural area, leaving a trail of bulky waste on narrow, unlit lanes such as these put the safety of motorists in jeopardy.

“The sheer volume of waste meant a lengthy clean-up operation was required, the cost of which ultimately has to be borne by the taxpayer.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the council’s environmental crime team in confidence on 01424 787000.