Huge pile of waste, which even includes a giant container, is dumped in road near a farm

The rubbish has been left in Stifford Clays Road, Stifford Clays, and residents claim the rubbish has been there for a few weeks.

Angry business owners have even been trying to clear the rubbish themselves in fear that their businesses will suffer from the road blockage.

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said: “Thurrock Council has been made aware of a recent surge of organised flytipping crime and are working with the police and other partner organisations to take action.

“Although we are the responsible agency to clear flytips on our public land - whatever the size, these crimes must be reported to the Environment Agency (EA) for investigation.

“This recent flux of large-scale tips is a problem not just in Thurrock but is being seen across South Essex– neighbouring boroughs are experiencing similar issues and we are working with them to form a co-ordinated approach.

“Flytips of this nature can cost thousands of pounds to clear at public expense requiring specialist equipment and incurring significant disposal costs per tonne.

“Thurrock Council’s environment team have been liaising with the EA about the tip in North Stifford, along with others, and have passed on all actionable evidence.

“We will continue to support their investigations every way that we can. Illegally dumped waste on public land will be cleared with hazardous waste and waste obstructing the highway being prioritised for removal.”