RESIDENTS in Chadwell St Mary have expressed growing concern over the continued discovery of animal corpses and skins on a public open space.

Wickham Field is a large field and playing area in the east of the town and is a much-walked recreation facility including children's play facilities.

However, of late, residents have taken to social media to report the discovery of an increasing number of disturbing finds.

The carcasses of animals including foxes and badgers have been reported and a number of mutilated birds have also been discovered.

Residents have reported that complaints have been made to the police, RSPCA and Thurrock Council but there has been little response.

One local resident has taken to social media to say: "It's a health hazard as well as disturbing!

"It's a children's play area! The council should be doing something about this. Also reported to Essex Police online but haven't heard anything from them either even though there's supposed to be a wildlife crime unit!"

Thurrock Council has responded by sayinfg its street scene staff will remove and dispose of dead animal remains when they see them or they are reported.

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The best way to report them is through our website at: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/animal-care-and-control/report-dead-animal-for-removal

The form does include a location mapping facility but if people have the What3Words app on their phone and can use that to provide details of an exact location (in the additional information field) it will help the team more easily find the remains that require disposal.

More information on What3Words, and links to get the app, can be found at: https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app