A LONG running environmental hazard on the edge of Romsey is finally clear of tyres following years of effort and campaigning.

Conservative candidate for Romsey and Southampton North Caroline Nokes recently visited the site to see the massive change, with landowner Tom Francis and his representatives. 

The dump appeared over a bank holiday weekend and for more than 20 years local residents, the fire service, local councillors and campaigners have been trying to find a solution.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has had to have an emergency plan in place in case it caught fire, given its proximity to Romsey, the M27 and the River Test.

Daily Echo: Tyre mound

Ms Nokes said: "It was great to see this site finally clear of tyres and proper plans in place for its future. I can remember when the tyres were moved here from Ampfield, and the numerous companies that have sought to solve the problem and failed. 

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Daily Echo: Tom Francis and Caroline Nokes

"It is such a relief that Tom Francis and his team set about clearing the site with real commitment. I can recall some horrendous photos from back in 2003 when the tyres were three storeys high and there wasn't any sort of plan in place to clear it. But now it is empty, the hazard is removed and hopefully we can have a new community here, giving the area some much needed homes on a brownfield site."

The confirmed candidates for Romsey and Southampton North in the General Election are: Paul Barrett (Reform UK), Geoff Cooper (Liberal Democrat), Sahrae Cunio (Workers Party), Christie Lambert (Labour), Caroline Nokes (Conservative) and Connor Shaw (Green).