A SPATE of fly-tipping across south Essex has prompted enforcement officers to pledge serious action against offenders.

The Environment Agency has been alerted to incidents of dumping in 20 different locations in the last few weeks.

Reports received show fly-tipping has taken place off major road networks such as the A13, A130 and A127, in quiet locations such as farm tracks, entrances to sewage pumping stations and telephone exchanges.

In particular areas around Basildon, Canvey, Brentwood and Chelmsford have been affected.

It is believed these incidents began in the middle of August but recently have been happening much more frequently.

The waste dumped is about one to two lorry-loads in size and a mix of construction and demolition rubbish, with some household waste mixed in.

Lesley Robertson, the agency’s enforcement team leader, said: “We have reason to believe that these incidents may be linked due to the similarity of the waste type and deposit size.

"We are currently liaising with relevant local authorities, the police and those impacted to gather further evidence.

“We urge anyone who discovers any fly-tipped waste matching this description, or who has any information that may aid our investigation to get in touch on our 24-hour incident number - 0800 80 70 60.”

Fly-tipping can carry a fine of up to £50,000 in a magistrates' court or a prison sentence.