‘Flytippers have run riot for two years’

Vince Keeble claims the council is failing to act on those regularly dumping huge amounts of rubbish in Gladwyns.

Mr Keeble, 40, said he and other residents have reported the problem to the council on a monthly basis over the past two years, but nothing is done.

He said: “One time in particular I submitted evidence, along with a written statement identifying one person in particular, but I believe nothing has been done about this person and with evidence.

“So when the council say there is a zero tolerance to flytipping like this, I feel this is just not true.

“I’ve reported it several times, a team comes along and takes bits away, but then give it a week or so and the problem is back.”

Mr Keeble, who is a full-time carer for his mother and sister, said the constant mess is putting people off wanting to visit the area.

He added: “The sad thing is that it’s a lovely area, and it’s not everyone doing it, we’re just being let down by a small bunch of bad eggs who offend over and over again.

“There was one time one neighbour wrote an anonymous letter to about 30 homes asking people to stop leaving rubbish out.

“He made great points, but the perpetrators didn’t pay any attention. It just gets so frustrating.”

David Harrison, chairman of Basildon Council’s neighbourhoods and public spaces committee, said: “We are aware of the flytipping issues in Gladwyns and are taking action by pursuing prosecution cases against those who think they can use our streets as a dumping ground.

“Although we are unable to elaborate further while there are active cases we have committed to a campaign to help tackle this issue. We recently launched our ‘We’re Cleaning Up’ campaign to crack down on this blight on our communities.

“If you use a trader to remove your waste ask to see their waste carrier registration number issued by the Environment Agency. It is illegal for them to take your waste if they don’t have a permit.”