THE coastline of northern Heybridge is being ruined by dumped plastic chairs and sunloungers, it is claimed.

Retired Heybridge resident David Hamilton is regular walker along the footpaths of the northern cost of the River Blackwater.

He claims that numerous plastic deck chairs, sunloungers and other materials are being dumped in the green areas between the waterfront and Mill Beach Caravan Park.

Mr Hamilton believes holiday makers who visit the park may be responsible.

He said: “It’s an absolute nightmare down there.

“The pictures only show a portion of the problem. These chairs, plus polystyreen, sun loungers and other plastic items are just littered across a lot of the area near Mill Beach.

“I can only assume it is the work of some of the people who use the Mill Beach Caravan Park, who will leave behind things they don’t need or want when they’ve finished their holiday.

“The land where they’re dumped isn’t exactly a hot spot for families or groups to pitch up, it’s mainly used by walkers and cyclists.

“To them, they’re just here for a few weeks or month. The rest of us who live here full time have to endure it.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Mr Hamilton has called on authorities and those responsible to take action and give the area a complete clean to remove the debris, stating the problem could only get worse.

He added: “I regularly use this footpath as I have a dog, and it’s a lovely area, as is most of Heybridge.

“But now everyone who lives here is having their area ruined by plastic. It’s shameful and completely unneeded.

“I’d like to see park owners or council authorities take action to get this in better shape. It’s the responsibility of those who left them and the council to ensure fly tipping like this is dealt with.”

A Maldon District Council spokesman said teams would visit the site to clear the chairs.

Community Protection Officer Pat Mackshea said: “The Community Protection Team is tackling the issue of fly tipping.

But we need your help, to ensure that your waste is disposed of correctly, please ask your contractor if they are a registered waste carrier and ask for their waste carrier number.

"By removing any fly tipping as soon as possible we will not only be improving our local environment, but we will be improving the quality of life for many residents.

"Once reported, the waste can be removed and an investigation can take place.

"Successful prosecutions rely heavily upon people coming forward with evidence and intelligence and the public can contact us on 01621 854477 or contact us online”.