Fly-tipping on a Kidbrooke greenspace could have a devastating impact on the environment, a campaigner has said.

Rubbish has been dumped on Hervey Road Sports Field four times in 18 months, according to residents.

The most recent case was due to an illegal traveller camp, Greenwich Council confirmed, and residents are concerned that the regular fly-tipping could damage the environment and wildlife.

Carol O'Toole, who lives nearby and uses the playing field regularly, said: “I’m really upset about what this is doing to the environment. It seems to be a favoured place for dumping, this time there seems to be thousands of pounds worth of dumping.

"This should be treated as an environmental crime, it is a crime to fly-tip.

"The council are left with the clear-up, and this is ratepayers' money. It is extremely expensive.

"It looks like somebody’s kitchen has been replaced, and there are dumped bathroom sets and toilets, and soft furnishings."

Mrs O'Toole, who volunteers as an environment champion with Greenwich Council, is concerned about the damage the rubbish could cause to wildlife, including bats that live in the area.

She said: "You can’t see all the damage because it goes into the water levels underground and this area is very rich in subterranean streams. Anything that sits on the surface will seep down into the water streams.

"It’s the only green area in this area, it is very popular with young mums, people playing informal sport, dog walkers."

A spokesman for Greenwich Council said: “The Royal Borough took swift action to remove the illegal traveller encampment at Hervey Roa,; the occupants vacated the site within three days of our serving notice to evict them.

"We are taking steps to enhance security in the area to stop this from happening again and are looking at other sites across the borough to make sure they are as safe and secure as they can be.

The Royal Borough takes illegal traveller sites extremely seriously.

"The fly-tipping, littering and criminal behaviour that come with these encampments will not be tolerated. We are clear that drivers failing to produce a proper license for carrying waste will potentially face tough fines and seizure of their vehicle.”