A CLEAN up operation took place in Tilbury this morning, instigated by newly-elected independent councillor John Allen.

Cllr Allen recently highlighted the area around Selwyn Road as a blight on Tilbury.

Today (Saturday, 14 May), Cllr Allen took action, saying: "I was joined by Cllr Allen Mayes and community champion Keith Harrington and in an hour and a half we managed to clear a huge amount of fly-tipped and discarded rubbishFry from the area.

"I'm very pleased with the difference just three community-minded people made this morning to this piece of council housing land which has been left in a shocking state littered with fly-tipped household items including beds and sofas and a mixture of vehicle tyres and discarded rubbish including many nitrous oxide canisters, beer cans and bottles.

There is a Rigid Class 2 HGV (pictured) loaded with another Tanker Style Class 2 HGV and checks revealed that it was on SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) & Untaxed.

"I will be calling on senior council officers to introduce case hardening measures so commercial vehicles so commercial vehicles cannot enter this site. Senior enforcement officers have been made aware of this."

Cllr Mayes said: "Tilbury now has two councillors who will work together and fight for what Tilbury and residents need. A cleaner and safer town for all."