CONSERVATORS are to erect a barrier across the entrance to West of England Quarry to stop fly-tipping at the site in West Malvern.

The decision was taken at the board's meeting last Thursday (March 7), following a suggestion from Colwall representative Roy Hart.

"I'm horrified to see what is dumped in there on occasions," he said.

Speaking after the meeting, director Ian Rowat said the drop-down barrier, resembling the one on the Worcestershire Beacon, could be installed before Easter and that it would not affect people enjoying the quarry.

"A couple of weeks ago we had a lot of builders' rubble dumped there," he said.

"It looked like someone was having an extension done."

Mr Rowat said that the Conservators had also been forced to pay £125 for the removal of more than 100 tyres left at Hayslad Springs last month and that the barrier should prevent such acts in future.

"It will stop people driving in there and dumping," he said.

"At the moment they can just drive into the quarry, which is completely circular, and they can't be seen. They are less likely to dump if they can be seen."

He said that the new barrier, costing around £80, would not deny access to the site, as riders and walkers would be able to go around it. Staff employed by the Conservators would also be able to drive into the quarry.

He warned that anyone going into the quarry this month should be wary, as heavy rains and winter weather could cause stones to loosen and fall.