A FURIOUS councillor and resident are demanding action to tackle a fly-tipping hotspot on a former traveller site.

Wickford Tory councillor George Jeffery joined a Wickford resident at Hovefields Avenue, off the A127, where a piece of green belt land has become a magnet for industrial fly-tipping.

According to Mr Jeffery the site is now regularly used to dump waste and has become an eyesore in the area.

The piece of land was previously occupied by a group of travellers, but has been vacant since they were ordered to leave in 2018 and has had repeated issues with industrial waste since.

Mr Jeffery said: “This fly-tipping is unacceptable, and will cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds to clear.

“We are demanding that Basildon Council vigorously pursue those responsible, have this land cleared.

“It is extremely regrettable that the area has become a dumping ground, action must be taken to remedy this for local residents and the environment.

“The hard pressed taxpayer should not be required to foot the bill for this illegal dumping of waste.”

Wickford resident, Mr Andrews lives nearby the site and believes issues have become worse in recent months.

He said: “I simply want action not excuses, the council have had over two years, which is more than enough time for Basildon council to find a solution.

“One option is to attach the clean up cost to the land. I suspect that the cost would be greater than lands worth, then the council should take ownership and add the land to Cranfield Park.

“If the rightful owners do not want to come forward to take control over their land and clean it up then they should lose title to it and it should be turned over to the council as additional public open space for the benefit of residents.”

The Echo has contacted Basildon Council for comment.