A 78-year-old man has spent two years in a personal struggle against fly-tippers who regularly dump rubbish in his village. Ivan Edwards, who has lived in Upwood all his life, has voluntarily been tidying up piles of rubbish left at the side of Turf Fen R

A 78-year-old man has spent two years in a personal struggle against fly-tippers who regularly dump rubbish in his village.

Ivan Edwards, who has lived in Upwood all his life, has voluntarily been tidying up piles of rubbish left at the side of Turf Fen Road.

Once a week he takes either his shovel or - when the pile is particularly large - a mechanical loader to clear up the mess.

However, Mr Edwards has said he has had enough of clearing up the hedge trimmings, plastic bottles, asphalt and other rubbish and will enlist Huntingdonshire District Council to help fight the fly-tippers.

"Most weeks, stuff is left on the road and I keep clearing it up time and time again," he told The Hunts Post. "I clean it up because I like the area to look clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy."

The road, which runs from Upwood village to Ramsey Heights is said to be littered on a weekly basis.

"It does not take me long to clear up the mess but I shouldn't have to do it every week," said Mr Edwards. "Once I spent a complete day clearing the mess.

"Some people appreciate the area and respect the environment while others abuse it."

Mr Edwards said he intends to talk to Upwood parish councillors and HDC to see if they can help.

HDC has been running a campaign to help tackle fly-tipping - 10 of the district's refuse trucks have a message printed on the side warning that fly-tipping is illegal and giving a freephone number for people to call (0800 389 6613) if they see the activity.

Anyone prosecuted for fly tipping could face a fine of up to £50,000.

Colin Hyams, HDC's executive councillor for waste and recycling, said: "The cost of fly-tipping is paid for by Council Tax payers, which is very unfair because it is money that could be put towards other services to benefit the residents of Huntingdonshire.