Clean-up in the woods

SCRAP metal including what looked like the rusted remains of a 1960s Austin Princess, has been removed from a Bideford beauty spot. Ford House nature reserve, a popular community woodland on the Torrington approach to Bideford, has borne the brunt of more

SCRAP metal including what looked like the rusted remains of a 1960s Austin Princess, has been removed from a Bideford beauty spot.

Ford House nature reserve, a popular community woodland on the Torrington approach to Bideford, has borne the brunt of more than half a century of illegal fly-tipping.

On Thursday, after being contacted by Bideford Town Council and Torridge District Council, a team from the Environment Agency offered its services free of charge to help with the clear-up.

As well as old cars, rusty fridges and ovens were among the skip-load of rubbish shifted during the all-day blitz.

Bideford Town councillor Andy Powell, who championed the purchase of the woodland for the town, said: "This is another step towards creating a unique nature reserve and place of peace for the people of Bideford to treasure and enjoy.