A resident who complained to the council about the escalating rubbish around his estate was told to clean it up himself

Joe Handford, of Cam Way on Witham's Humber Road estate, said when he called Braintree Council's cleaning services he was told to start up his own clean-up scheme with residents because they did not have resources to deal with it.

Joe Handford with a gas cylinder found near his home Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON

But just a few years ago the council set up its own Clean Team of paid workers to clear up rubbish around the district.

Mr Handford, 38, said he contacted the council on numerous occasions about the build-up of rubbish including used tampons, shopping trolleys, crisp wrappers and building materials.

He said the rubbish has been dumped within two houses of his home.

He said: "I was told 'maybe you should form a community scheme to pick up the rubbish'."

A Braintree Council spokesman said: "We are relying upon our residents to work with us to keep the district as tidy possible and our response is always dependent on accurate information."

Published Thursday, August 7, 2003

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