COMPLAINTS on fly-tipping and environmental enforcement have almost doubled since 2013, the latest council figures reveal.

The report, due to be presented to the Thurrock Council Cabinet meeting on Wednesday July 13, showed 783 requests were lodged in the first two months of 2016 alone.

Requests for enforcement on fly-tipping and other environmental nuisances also shot up from 2,023 in 2013-14, to 3,744 between April 2015-16.

In one of his first promises since being elected council leader, Council Leader Rob Gledhill said clean streets, parks and pot holes would be the council’s first priority.

Mr Gledhill said: “The new administration’s commitment to residents is clear – clean it, cut it, fill it.”

He also promised enforcement action on people who “disrespect” Thurrock.

At a recent meeting, Mr Gledhill said: “We know how important our green and open spaces are to local residents. We want to make sure they are at a standard we’re all proud of and that they are kept that way.”

“We want litter free, clean streets and open spaces, our parks family-friendly and usable, and roads to be safe for all users by filling pot holes.”

“If residents cannot trust us to get the grass cut how are they to trust us with the more complex services we have to provide?”

Aveley Councillor Peter Smith was one of many to lodge a complaint after a “van-load” size of rubbish was dumped in a flytipping ‘hot spot’ on Armor Road, Purfleet, on June 18.

Mr Smith said he, like many others were “sick and tired” of people thinking they can “dump their rubbish in Thurrock and get away with it.”

He said: “Why do people think they can treat Thurrock as a dumping ground? Today I have asked Thurrock Council to consider the installation of CCTV in this well-known hotspot for fly-tipping and illegal HGV parking.”

Mr Gledhill added the new move would need “everyone’s commitment” and he was supportive of using enforcement action.

He said: “I am supportive of enforcement action for those people who disrespect Thurrock – be it throwing litter from cars, dumping unwanted waste illegally or using our roads and highways as personal skips.

“This council will take a zero tolerance approach to people who fly-tip, litter and blight our borough through laziness and inconsiderate actions – why should tax payers pick up the bill for people who have no respect for their neighbours?”

“This isn’t a small job and will take time, but it is our priority to see Thurrock well looked after.”

To report environmental concerns, residents can visit thurrock.gov.uk/report