THE organisation that owns the railway network is targeting flytipping hotspots in Newport, Chepstow and Cwmbran as it launches its first national clean-up week.

Network Rail is expecting to clean up more than 20 tonnes of litter and flytipped rubbish in Wales alone during the week, which runs to July 8.

It says flytipping is costing the railway industry £2.3 million a year, and hopes that the event will warn the public of the consequences of flytipping on railway land.

A total of 4,000 tonnes of rubbish has been illegally dumped in the last three years across the country, with asbestos, sofas, mattresses, broken fridges and even soiled nappies.

Hundreds of railway staff in Wales will be out in force to take part in the clean-up blitz, removing litter and graffiti.

Network Rail will also introduce special womble bags designed to help staff remove hazardous waste safely and swiftly.

“Flytipping on the railway is illegal and must be taken seriously,” said Steve Featherstone, the firm’s director of maintenance.

“It creates an eyesore and threatens safety on the railway by blocking key access.”