MORE than 180 tonnes of fly-tipped rubbish, including asbestos waste, has been cleared from a controversial former travellers site.

Contractors working on behalf of Basildon Council spent four days clearing the land at Dale Farm, off Oak Lane in Crays Hill.

Dumped waste included mounds of tyres, washing machines and fridge freezers.

Work to improve the environment, which has cost more than £40,000, marks the end of the authority’s involvement with the site, which dates back to the mass clearance of illegal caravans in 2011.

Numerous concrete obstructions and a gate have now been installed at the entrance to deter further dumping. However the land remains in private hands and keeping it safe and clear of rubbish will remain the responsibility of the landowners.

If further dumping occurs, enforcement action against the fly-tippers could be pursued by the Environment Agency – or the council.

Contractors have also identified the invasive plant Japanese knotweed and a programme is in place to eradicate it before it spreads to neighbouring land.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, said: “The clearance of Dale Farm has been a long-term and at times complicated process, but Basildon Council’s actions have always been guided by the principle of upholding the law and protecting green belt policies in the interests of our residents.

“By carrying out this one-off operation, the council is drawing a line under past events at Dale Farm.

“In doing so, we are proud to have stayed firm to the council’s pledge to restore the land.

“Basildon Council’s decision to take direct action at Dale Farm was always a last resort to ensure the law was upheld.

“It is now the responsibility of the landowners to maintain the site in a satisfactory condition and ensure the build-up of fly-tipped waste is not repeated.”

The full cost of the clearance will be paid for from funding set aside by the council, as agreed by the full council in 2011.