APPROXIMATELY 10 industrial sized fridge-freezers were dumped outside the Thistledown Farm environmental campsite in Nympsfield on Wednesday.

The fly-tipped fridges, which were left on the roadside in Tinkley Lane next to a gate, sparked anger from passing motorists and Facebook users who condemned those responsible.

Slimbridge resident Jill Fisher spotted the large white appliances as she was driving to Nailsworth and took a photo on her return journey at around 10.30am.

Jill, 65, said she was 'appalled' and took the picture to encourage people to keep an eye out for fly-tippers.

"I felt disgusted by it to be honest. It is such a nice planet, I don't know why people feel they have to ruin it," she said.

"I took the photo because I feel it is important people keep an eye out for this sort of thing. The fridges look like they came from a cafe or some kind of commercial premises."

Facebook users also vented their anger at the culprits.

Several posts were made on the Spotted: Stroud/Stonehouse group, with one user saying: "I'm just wondering which brainless, selfish, lowlife moron decided to dump all those fridges outside the farmer's gate in Nympsfield."

They added sarcastically: "Don't worry, we'll pick up the bill via our council tax."

A spokesman for Stroud District Council said there was 'no excuse' for fly-tipping.

"Obviously the number of fridges which have been dumped on this occasion indicates fly-tipping on a commercial scale so we would encourage anyone with any information which may help us track down the culprits to contact us," he said.

"We take all instances of fly-tipping very seriously. Once we are informed of it we check the waste as soon as we can for evidence which can help us track down the fly-tippers and we will not hesitate to prosecute."

Anyone wishing to dispose of a fridge or bulky items such as TVs, wardrobes, sofas or washing machines should go to www.stroud.gov.uk or call SDC on 01453 754424.