Rubbish left dumped at Dedham beauty spot

The pile of mess, made up of rubbish bags and boxes for a dingy and barbecue, were abandoned in Dedham over the weekend after people flocked to the banks of the River Stour.

Beer bottles and bags for life were also dumped on the footpath.

In recent years Colchester Council has taken steps to try and tackle the issue with new 120 litres bins being installed at the village’s Mill Lane car park, one in Mill Pond car park, and another in Dedham High Street.

But the moves have not deterred daytrippers who have dumped rubbish.

Martin Goss, who is the council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhood services and waste, said he has previously tried to catch those responsible, even going so far as to root through the bags of rubbish to obtain people’s details.

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He said: “In my own area, I go through rubbish myself, photograph it, and send the pictures off so they can get used as evidence – if there is an address, then the police can prosecute accordingly.

“Normally we refer this to staff, but if I can save them a journey then I will do it myself.

“We make it easy, quick, and effective for people to dispose of their litter – if you are on a day out there are ample bins for people to use [and] there is no excuse for people to leave [rubbish] at the side of the road.”

Mr Goss said the authority will come down hard on those who show a disregard for the community.

He added: “I expect people to respect Colchester – we can and we will take action on people who decide not to.

“It’s extremely frustrating, but we will continue to take a hard line on attitudes like this.

“I don’t care if it’s Greenstead, Dedham, or Darlington – if these people go to court, they will be named, shamed, and fined a lot of money.”