AFTER a late night fire turned the focus on abandoned lorry trailers on a road on the edge of Aveley, Thurrock Council have been asked if they can step up action against rogue dumpers.

The problem of abandoned trailers loaded with rubbish is not new across the borough, with laybys on the A128 having played host to several in recent months, and others have been reported at various sites across Thurrock.

But Sandy Lane in Aveley, where Sunday evening's overnight blaze took place, is a particular blackspot.

Now the chair of Aveley and Kenningtons Community Forum, while recognising Thurrock Council's hands are somewhat tied in terms of what they currently can and can't do, to see if there is any way more expedient action can be accomplished.

Teresa Webster says: "As a community, we seem to be blighted by numerous abandoned vehicles, caravans and endless fly tipping in Sandy Lane which sadly Thurrock Council has to bear the cost of removal.

"Sandy Lane seems to be a target for this unwelcomed activity.

"Is it not time now to break the continued cycle of this problem. Of course this will come at a cost to Thurrock Council but long term there will be a saving if action is taken.

"Can I suggest that the height of the kerbs are raised on the left side of Sandy Lane (from the direction of the bypass roundabout) along with measures preventing vehicles being able to just pull into the access points to the old landfill site (ELWA). I's sure this would be supported by the community.

"We do suffer with commercial vehicles using Sandy Lane as a car park too and it would be welcomed if enforcement relating to these vehicles could be considered.

"As a further measure, could we possibly have no waiting signs introduced on the whole of of Sandy Lane, or a red route implemented with enforcement."

Mrs Webster, who thanked local councillor Colin Churchman for his support and praised the actions of council officer Julie Nelder in trying to deal with the problem, also highlighted concern over a particular trailer which has been left on the road for some time and which is leaking an oily substance onto the road.

She added: "There is also a further flat bed trailer which was abandoned in Sandy Lane some three to four weeks ago.

"Oil has leaked from containers on the trailer onto the surface where it is parked. Thurrock Council have attended and banked around the trailer with sand bags to prevent any fluid compromising the road surface. I further understand a 30 day Enforcement notice has been issued and is due to expire on 2 November. After such time this trailer can be removed by the council.

"But in view of there being an environmental impact, could I please ask if it would be lawful for Thurrock Council to remove this trailer sooner?"