It's undoubtedly one of the best views in the county, if not the country.

And now the beauty spot where a magnificent vista can be enjoyed of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding countryside has been spoilt by flytipping – an act which has been condemned as 'despicable'.

A large amount of building waste has been dumped in a lay-by off the B3157 coast road near the top of Abbotsbury Hill overlooking the Fleet and Chesil Beach.

A similar amount of material has also been left in a lane towards the bottom of the hill.

It was dumped sometime over the festive and new year period and was still there at the weekend when many people ventured out for walks or drives in the country.

One local who drove past it said the culprits had 'no respect for the Jurassic Coast and the beautiful scenery'.

Cllr Mark Roberts who represents the Chesil Bank ward on Dorset Council said the authority and the parish council were aware.

He urged people who may have seen the waste being dumped to report it.

Cllr Roberts said: "It's been raised with Dorset Council which are dealing with it.

"Unfortunately it's not the only flytipping in the west Dorset area recently – I've also seen some tyres dumped in a layby near Beaminster.

"I think people may be taking advantage of the fact there's not many people around and dumping waste. It really is a sorry state of affairs."

He added: "Dorset Council will do everything possible to identify the offenders and prosecute them if there is suitable evidence.

"We do take the issue of flytipping very seriously. The incident at Abbotsbury Hill is particularly galling as it's within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It appears to be trade waste dumped in this area and it's really rather despicable actually.

"If anyone knows who may be responsible, if they took a vehicle registration perhaps which would be helpful, I would urge them to contact the police."

Dorset Council said it was taking steps to remove the flytipped material.

Speaking on Monday a spokesman said: "Dorset Waste Services are aware of this flytip. Due to the volume and nature of the flytipped materials, they have asked highways colleagues to clear it because they are better equipped to deal with large fly tips of this nature. They have a lorry with a mechanical grab bucket."