THURROCK Council is footing a £4,000 bill to clean up the latest fly-tipping mess on Fort Road in Tilbury.

Fly-tippers left discarded rubble, fridges, fruit machines and tyres strewn along the side of the road.

The council environment team visited a number of targeted sites along the side of Fort Road on Monday, April 11.

Steve Cox, corporate director of place and environment said the cost to clean up the mess was estimated to reach £4,000.

Mr Cox said: “The sites are located on unregistered ground where there is no private owner, but neither is it public highway and the responsibility of the council.

“Whenever it occurs, fly-tipping is unsightly, if not dangerous and we often see one fly tip grow or attract more.

“So we’ve decided to clear it up again on this occasion with the cost being borne by the council tax payers, just a few weeks after we did it before. Staff cleaning up extra rubbish impacts on their ability to complete their regular tasks within time and as a result can cause a backlog.

“There are a number of disposal methods available to residents – including the tip in Linford, which opens seven days a week.”

Check out thurrock.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling. Fly-tipping is illegal with a maximum fine of £50,000 or five years in prison. Report it via the free-to-download Report It app or at thurrock.gov.uk.