MORE than 600 vehicles were reported abandoned in the Kennet area in the past year - but the district council insists it's getting on top of the problem which has been at its most acute in Tidworth.

Kennet District Council says it has significantly reduced the time taken to remove abandoned vehicles this year even though as many as 137 vehicles have been under investigation at any one time.

Although the number of abandoned vehicles being reported to the council continues to rise, the council says it has successfully managed to reduce the number of outstanding vehicles abandoned in the district to seven. This time last year there were 67.

However, the removal of abandoned vehicles is continuing to place unnecessary strain on the council's finances. The total cost incurred by the Kennet council taxpayers for last year was in excess of £45,000.

One of the things which has helped get the numbers down is a partnership between Kennet and the Swansea- based Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

Thanks to new technology council officials now have immediate access to the details of the last registered keeper.

Vehicle owners also have less time to get their vehicles sorted out before they are removed.

Chris Humphries, leader of the council said: "Abandoned vehicles are a blight on our landscape and place an avoidable burden on the council's finances.

"The problem is solely due to a small number of irresponsible owners who abandon their vehicles.

"We endeavour to ensure that all abandoned vehicles are removed as soon as legally possible.

"Where owners of abandoned vehicles are found they are billed for the removal, storage and disposal costs.

"These costs are considerable and owners can also face legal action resulting in large fines."