Benfleet homeowners "using and abusing" a popular piece of woodland were told today to stop taking liberties by the mayor of Castle Point.

Nature enthusiast Charles Smith's warning was aimed at people using North Benfleet Hall Wood as a dumping ground.

He said: "It was and still is being used and abused by some people.

"I am going to chase up this issue of rubbish with the council because there are some nearby residents who are still taking liberties by stealing land and dumping rubbish there."

However, Mr Smith, a Labour councillor for Cedar Hall, feels the area off Manor Road has vastly improved over the year, thanks mainly to the efforts of a group of volunteers.

The Castle Point Wildlife Action Group has taken over the wood's management and Mr Smith feels they are doing a fantastic job improving the ten-acre site.

Published Monday August 12, 2002

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