RESIDENTS are being urged to use “common sense” after litter was strewn across a popular beauty spot.

Dawn Andrew said she was “disgusted” at finding mounds of rubbish around bins, and food waste dumped in Witham Town Park.

She posted a video online of the scene after the weekend, which had seen residents flock to the park to make the most of hot weather.

The park is one of the few public spaces open due to the coronavirus pandemic and was said to be filled with families and sunbathers throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Mrs Andrew said: “The park was trashed on Sunday and it was a disgusting scene.

“Nearly every bin was full to bursting and surrounded by more bags of rubbish. There were empty beer boxes and cans. The wildlife had got to it all, including local fast food wrappers, so there were food bits everywhere.

“It wouldn’t have been safe for children to play there. It was like a scene after a party.”

Mrs Andrew has called on others to show respect when using public spaces as the lockdown restrictions continue to be eased in the coming weeks.

She added: “It’s all well and good these restrictions being relaxed but people still need to use their brains and common sense.

“I thought I would have a nice walk through the park, but it was such a slap in the face to see the mess.

“Once again the few spoil it for the many.

Braintree Council was forced to send a team in to clear up the mess on Monday and has threatened to take action against anyone caught littering.

Environment boss Wendy Schmitt said: “While lockdown restrictions have been lifted to allow people to enjoy the outdoors safely including our parks and green spaces, there is no excuse for irresponsible behaviour like this.

“If the bins are full in parks, there are other bins in the locality that can be used or take your rubbish home with you.

“We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to littering and will investigate all reports.

“Please respect our open spaces, maintain social distancing and help protect others from coronavirus.”

Littering can be reported to the council on its website.