A MAJOR clean-up of the North Devon Link Road has been completed by North Devon Council, with more than 17 tonnes of rubbish collected.

The litter pick took place along a 34-mile stretch of road during a six-week period.

The three-man crew collected 1,601 bags of rubbish during the clean-up, and the final weigh-in of this year’s efforts was more than double that of last year’s, when almost eight tonnes was collected.

The crew also picked up a number of other items, including a double bed and mattress, and some large commercial shelving units.

The majority of rubbish collected, however, was fast food packaging and plastic bottles.

Lead member for Environment at North Devon Council, Cllr Rodney Cann, said: “I am so disappointed that people continue to dump their waste on the link road, and horrified at the rise in the amount of litter the crew came across this year.

“Individuals who still believe littering is acceptable should be warned that it’s a criminal offence and we can issue penalty charge notices to vehicle owners if it can be proved litter was thrown from their car, even if it was discarded by somebody else.”

If caught dropping litter, drivers can be given an instant fixed penalty notice of up to £150, and even face court.

There are also heavier fines for flytipping. If you spot flytipping, or see litter being dropped from a vehicle please report it to North Devon Council online at: www.northdevon.gov.uk or call 01271 374776.