SOUTH Ockendon councillor Russell Cherry has asked Thurrock Council enforcement officials to investigate a rural site to the north of the town, where he believes commercial waste may be being spread on the land.

Cllr Cherry says he and residents in his Ockendon ward are concerned about what is being dumped, saying it gives off a foul smell.

He first raisedthe matter with the council's enforcement team in January this year, saying: "Attention has been drawn to activity at the location involving large scale dumping of what appears to be residue of a waste cleaning operation, that has an unpleasant smell.

"The fine material is being brought onto site in skip lorries and there is earth moving equipment on site positioning it.

"The operation is thought to be illegal and started just before Christmas and may constitute a harm to the health and environment. Apparently there are badger setts on the land and animals such as Muntjac deer have been seen, showing wildlife has been disturbed.

"Vehicles on the site off North Road have stickers on them saying waste disposal, but we are unaware of any permits or permissions here."

Cllr Cherry said he was told by officers that the council would investigate and he would be kept informed about developments but says he has heard nothing.

Further activity has now resumed on another part of the site, with Cllr Cherry calling for the council to check again.

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