FLYTIPPERS have dumped rubbish at a Wickford park for the fourth time in six months.

A large pile of bricks, rubble and sand was discovered at the Wick Country Park’s entrance in Tresco Way yesterday morning.

The incident echoes similar waste left at the park in March, June and July.

Calls have been made by councillors and residents for more security at the gates which are always open.

David Harrison, ward councillor, says the flytippers are making the most of the situation.

He said: “It appears people are happy to dump rubbish at the council taxpayers’ expense.

“Each incident seems to have taken place at night, and I’ve asked on previous occasions for the gate to be closed at night.

“From what I understand, the council is saying it would be too expensive for it to employ somebody.

“I think it’s cheaper, in the long run, to pay for somebody to close the gates than to keep spending money each time clearing the mess up.”

Mr Harrison also suggested the council could create a community scheme where members of the public take responsibility for the gate’s closures, similar to an initiative at the Wickford Memorial Park.

Nikki Gibson, chairman and membership secretary of the Wick Country Park committee, is concerned at the danger the rubbish poses to park users.

She said: “It’s very disheartening.

All of the previous incidents have been near to our playground.

“It’s dangerous for children when you see old bits of wood with four-ins nails sticking out.

“The surveillance on the area won’t cover the gates, as they are hidden from the view of the main road. We have good things happening at the park, and it’s a real nuisance to have this going on.”

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “It is abhorrent flytipping is happening at Wick Country Park and other locations across the borough.

“The council attempts to clear all these incidents as quickly as possible”