A COMMUNITY is fuming after seeing hundreds of tonnes of hardcore “illegally dumped” on a site.

Residents in Hovefields Avenue, Hovefields Drive and Honiley Avenue, in Wickford have reported more than 40 lorry movements on Thursday and Friday, each taking hardcore to a piece of land being flattened.

The Echo understands no planning permission has been sought for the work to be carried out.

It comes just months after a group was set up in a bid to tackle a “difficult past” revolving around disputes about traveller settlements in the Hovefields and Honiley area, just off the A127.

David Walsh, chairman of the group, says he is disappointed that the work has been carried out.

Mr Walsh added that the situation, coupled with a “the lack of response” by Basildon Council, are undermining the aims of the group.

He said: “It really is disappointing, and the amount of lorry movements has been incredible.

“Our community has had a very difficult past, mainly relating to disputes based around unauthorised developments by traveller communities.

“The whole point of the group is for us to work together, and I just think the council not really responding is undermining what we are trying to do.”

Chris Jackman, Tory councillor for Wickford Park, has urged the council to put a stop to the work.

He said: “The amount of activity going on down there is unbelievable.

“I had a look at it on Friday, and I had never seen anything like it. There were lorries everywhere, and it has all happened so quickly.

“It’s unfair on people who are living there, firstly because the work hasn’t received permission and also because it’s a really small area.

“We have to put a stop to this as the work is getting out of hand.”

A Basildon Council spokesman says the authority is aware of the matter.

She said: “The council’s enforcement team have been advised about the possible breach of planning enforcement.

“We are investigating the matter.”