Thurrock Council investigation after Stanford-le-Hope fly-tipping

A large amount of household and construction waste partially blocked Butts Lane in Stanford-le-Hope, a main road in the town, causing issues for oncoming traffic for almost two hours before it was cleared.

Thurrock Council's highways emergency team was quickly called in and arrived at 9pm the same night, an hour and 15 minutes after the fly-tipping was reported, to remove the waste and allow traffic to flow normally again.

Dumped - the fly-tipping included household and construction waste (Image: Thurrock Coucnil)

The council's enforcement team is now investigating the issue and anyone with any information is urged to get in touch.

Victoria Holloway, Thurrock councillor for place and environment said: "Fly-tipping is a selfish act and our residents should not have to put up with the mess that has been left by a minority of irresponsible people.

"I would like to thank all of the teams at Thurrock Council that worked quickly to ensure the blockage was removed and the waste was no longer causing an eye-sore for our residents.

Waste - some of the fly tipping left in the verges (Image: Thurrock Coucnil)

"Our enforcement team are now investigating the perpetrators of this illegal fly-tip and I have no doubt we will be able to take action against those that have caused the mess.

"I encourage all residents to report any incidents of fly-tipping via the council website, any reports will be dealt with swiftly."

The remaining waste was left in verges by the road and removed by a call-out crew two days after the incident, at 10am on Thursday.

Council officers investigate all fly-tips and use any evidence found to identify those who are responsible. Anyone found fly-tipping may be issued with a £1,000 fine, and if prosecuted through a criminal court, upon conviction could face fines far greater than the £1,000 fixed penalty notice.

To report any instances of fly-tipping in Thurrock, visit thurrock.gov.uk/fly-tipping/reporting-fly-tipping.