RESIDENTS are being asked to help catch the culprits who are leaving gravel on roads in Witham.

Braintree Council chairman Angela Kilmartin wants people to be on the lookout for vehicles illegally dumping debris by the road side.

Mrs Kilmartin, who is also a town councillor, has enlisted the help of volunteers to sweep roads which have been covered in gravel in recent weeks.

The team have had to work hard to remove stones and small rocks dumped at the Witham War Memorial Gardens junction and further up the road by the station bridge.

Mrs Kilmartin says the dumping of gravel poses a threat to pedestrians, with some of it dumped on crossings.

She said: "The gravel deposits right on the pedestrian junction act like marbles and they are dangerous for prams, wheelchairs and walkers.

"We need all drivers and walkers to watch for the lorry depositing this gravel by noting the time, the contractor and the licence if possible.

"Its really important to get these perpetrators before anyone slips and breaks bones."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Witham Town Council on 01376 520627.