SECURITY cameras will be installed to catch fly-tippers after a massive operation to clear up a beauty spot in Caldicot.

Monmouthshire county council workers began removing more than 40 tonnes of rubbish, including old fridges, tyres and window frames, from a three-mile stretch in Moors Road yesterday.

It is expected to take a few weeks to complete, and to prevent further dumping and catch those responsible, security cameras will be put up to survey the site.

Local councillor James Harris, who represents the West End ward and has campaigned for work to start, helped with yesterday's clear-up behind Caldicot railway station.

He said: "It's taken four years to get this sorted. I'm relieved it is happening because it will create a better environment.

"It is in the area of a cycle route and a gateway to Wales, so we don't want it looking like a rubbish tip.

"After the rubbish is cleared sign will be put up, and CCTV cameras will monitor the area. Hopefully, these will help stop people doing it or help prosecute those that do."

Councillor Harris said the fly-tipping problem spiralled about six years ago when a recycling facility in the area was closed.

"Because people are now charged to dump their rubbish they just dump it for free in the countryside instead," he said. "The cost of picking it all up is not too high but it is expensive to dispose of it at landfill sites - about £40 a tonne."

Life-long Caldicot resident Ernie Lane, 65, who lives nearby in Goldfinch Close, said the area was an eyesore.

"It's good to think work has started because it's not nice for residents," he said.

Scott James, area services officer for the county council, also welcomed the clear-up.

In June this year new laws giving courts more power to punish those found guilty of fly-tipping were introduced.

The Clean Neighbourh-oods and Environment Act gives courts the power to punish offenders with fines up to £50,000 or five years in prison.