TONNES of fly-tipped filth were removed from the banks of the Grand Union Canal last week by exasperated council and waterways officials.

British Waterways and Three Rivers District Council joined forces on Tuesday and Wednesday to clear fridges, bicycles, furniture and even human waste from an 850-metre stretch of canal bank close to Croxley Green’s Common Moor.

During the two-day clean up, a team of 30 staff and volunteers removed four boat-loads of litter and waste from the site which, officials claim, has been used as a dumping ground by a small group of unlicensed boat owners.

Murray Geddes, British Waterways’ regional business development manager, said: “This year we will spend at least £250,000 clearing illegally dumped rubbish from waterways in the South East.

“This equates to £1,000 for every mile in our area.

“As well as forcing us to divert funds away from more beneficial community work, the persistent actions of this small group of boat owners are putting local wildlife at risk and creating a health hazard and eyesore for local people.”

British Waterways, which manages the nation’s 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers, demands an annual subscription of around £500 for boaters to cruise its network.

A minority, however, pay no such fees and effectively squat on parts of the network.

An estimated 500 of these sail locally and are often blamed for illegally dumping waste. Some of these site users have been given notice to clear their belongings and leave the area later this month.

District councillor Phil Brading, responsible for public services and health, said: “No one has the right to trespass on council-owned land, particularly near a sensitive site like Croxley Common Moor, which is a local nature reserve and site of special scientific interest.

“Residents can help the council in its efforts to protect the environment by reporting any instances of litter and fly-tipping. All reports will be treated in confidence and acted upon.”

For information about removal of large items of rubbish and details about waste recycling centres residents can ring Three Rivers District Council on 01923 776611.