Fly-tip blocks road and prompts investigation

The dumping of a heap of household waste on a narrow country road has prompted an investigation by a local authority.

On Saturday, photos showed a large pile of rubbish, including armchairs, blocking Honeypot Lane in Stow Maries, Essex.

Maldon District Council contractors cleared the obstruction soon after and, on Monday, it called for eyewitnesses or any footage that could aid its investigation.

It asked members of the public to stay vigilant and issued a guide to help spot unlicensed waste collectors and warned that households could be fined if waste from their property was found fly-tipped.

Measure included:

• Checking their waste carrier registration
• Ask where the rubbish is going
• Get a receipt or other paperwork for any work done
• Keep their name, contact details and vehicle registration
• Be wary if a price seems unusually cheap or they cannot tell you where the waste is going

A spokesperson said: "If residents intentionally or unwittingly use a rogue trader to transport their waste and it is illegally dumped, they could end up with a fine or prosecution in court.

"All waste carriers should be registered with the Environment Agency. If you use a trader to remove your waste, ask to see their waste carrier registration number.

"It is illegal for them to take your waste if they don't have a permit.

"The council is keen to ensure that our district is not targeted by those who wish to use it as a dumping ground and we will do everything within our power to catch the culprits and make them pay for their actions.

"However, successful prosecutions rely heavily upon people coming forward with evidence and intelligence."

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