INCREASED flytipping on Canvey is not down to controversial changes to the island’s tip, a senior councillor has claimed.

It comes as bricks, tyres, wooden panels and even household rubbish were dumped last week into river dykes which protect the island from flooding.

Another mountain of rubbish was spotted near a former turning for an island oil refinery this week.

With Environment Agency officials reiterating the need for the dykes to be kept clear to allow for excess rain water to flow away, it prompted residents to suggest changes to recycling collection and waste disposal were to blame.

However, Ray Howard, Tory councillor for Canvey West, has denied that the changes have caused the problem.

The island’s tip, in Canvey Road, no longer accepts DIY and construction waste following changes made on October 31 last year.

Soil, hardcore, plasterboard, heavy ceramics, and dismantled fitted bathrooms and kitchens are also no longer being accepted.

The move was heavily criticised by residents who said the island would become a magnet for flytippers.

Mr Howard, who is responsible for environment and waste at Castle Point Council, says that “professionals from London” are to blame.

He said: “Any flytipping is unacceptable, and we want to catch those who are responsible.

“I don’t share the view that it’s because of recycling changes. I have seen first hand the good work that has taken place, and only a few people have been turned away from the tip.

Under the changes, vans, tippers, pick-up trucks or towed trailers – which could be classed as trade vehicles – will be turned away. Instead, people now have to travel to Pitsea to dump their items.