Farmers and environmentalists have joined calls to tackle a 'fly-tipping zone of shame' on part of the Gwent Levels.

They are urging Newport Council to adopt the use of smart technology that could result in the of seizure, clamping and possible legal crushing of any vehicle used in fly-tipping

Complaints have surged over a huge fly-tipping dump between Duffryn and Coedkernew on Newport’s eastern edge. Residents have described the fly-tipping area as looking like a war-zone.

Liberal Democrat Senedd candidate for Newport West, John Miller, said: “The Coedkernew-Duffryn area looks like something from Mad Max, an apocalyptic scene. There are scores of abandoned industrial tyres, machine parts and dumped rubble everywhere. How has it been allowed to get this bad by our council?

"Complaints have been made to councillors in Duffryn who seem to have taken an ‘out-of-sight, out-of-mind’ attitude to this growing health and safety threat to the community.

‘‘Newport Council can make an immediate move in this direction by stating clearly on the council’s website that the confiscation, clamping and crushing of vehicles connected to fly-tipping is a legal option open to prosecutors.’’

Liberal Democrat councillor for Caldicot and the party’s Senedd candidate for South East Wales, Jo Watkins, has also been monitoring complaints.

"It’s not just Newport problem. The message I’m getting in Monmouthshire from farmers, landowners and from the public in general is simple: where is the force of the law to tackle fly-tipping?’’ she said.

‘‘Councils, trading standards officers and the police need take the smart technology option in fly-tipping hotspots. There needs to be carefully-controlled and coordinated evidence-gathering.

"Under existing environmental protection legislation, councils have the power to stop, search and seize vehicles they suspect are being used for fly-tipping with the support of a police officer.

‘‘In court cases, magistrates need to seriously consider the option that vehicles used for fly-tipping should be forfeited to cover the council’s costs incurred in the investigation, its enforcement and in clearing up the pollution or debris. Vehicle crushing must be an option open to prosecutors.’’