A CONTROVERSIAL gate erected to prevent £10,000 worth of fly-tipping every year on a quiet stretch of the popular Solent Way walking route between Fawley and Hythe is back on its hinges.

The swinging barrier across Hardley Lane, which is opposite the Netley View Estate at Hythe, has had to remain unlocked while Hampshire County and New Forest District Councils try to take legal steps to keep vehicles out.

The gate first went up 15 years ago after the Daily Echo highlighted the rubbish-dumping problems on a half-mile stretch near the northern tip of the Fawley petro-chemical complex.

With the barrier being taken away and then put back at various stages over the years, the tipping fluctuated.

NFDC's waste strategy manager Roger Sired said: "The fly-tipping alone is now costing us about £10,000 a year and we have to spend a further £2,000 to clear up the old cars which are dumped there.

"Some of the cars left there are stolen and there is also a problem with joy-riders.

"And if the gate is taken away, we will be

talking about spending another £10,000 next year."

The district council recently carried out a major clear-up and the stretch is relatively tidy at present, but people, particularly dog-walkers, who use the Solent Way regularly, want the gate permanently locked.

Nearby resident Sarah Leeson said: "I phone the council regularly asking if the rubbish

can be cleared and, to be fair, they are pretty good.

"But you don't need to drive along that lane to walk the Solent Way and if the gate was there, it would stop the fly-tipping."

But there are those who want the lane kept open.

Fawley resident Ann Gillingham said: "Hampshire County Council took me to court and insisted that a right of way past my house should be kept open.

"This lane is a highway and the county would be acting illegally if they closed or obstructed it."

Its highway status could soon be in doubt, however, and Mr Sired confirmed that moves were under way to obtain a prohibition of driving order which would keep vehicles out.

The councils have the support of Fawley refinery owner Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical and a spokesman said: "We are strongly

against the fly-tipping and dumping of

vehicles, as well as trespass on to our land via that route."

Hampshire County Council confirmed it was working with the district in a bid to overcome the problem.