AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a truck was found abandoned, with its back wheels stuck in a ditch, next to a pile of waste in a Frankley field.

A passerby photographed the truck, which was filled with plastic waste, in a field on Frankley Hill Lane, and reported it to Bromsgrove District Council.

The resident claimed the waste inside the truck looked similar to the pile that had previously been fly tipped nearby.

Head of environmental services at Bromsgrove District Council Guy Revans said: “Investigations have shown that this was processed plastic waste that came from a known waste processing facility outside of the West Midlands.

“It’s an ongoing legal matter that’s still under investigation so our ability to comment is limited, but after discussions with the Environment Agency, which regulates and enforces waste processing facilities nationwide, they are looking to act on the issue of how controlled waste was handled and disposed of, and we are taking legal action related to the actual fly tip itself.

“It’s obviously completely unacceptable behaviour.”

The council has confirmed that the dumped waste and the truck have now been removed from the site.

Adam Lines, environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We have been working closely with Bromsgrove District Council to investigate the source of the fly tipped waste at Frankley Hill Lane.

“There is an investigation into the source which may result in legal action.

“Waste crime is a serious offence with tough penalties as it can damage the environment, blight local communities and undermine those who operate legally."

The environment agency is encouraging residents to report any suspected waste crimes on 0800 80 70 60. Reports can also made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.