A COUNCIL has been accused of “fly-tipping” outside a church.

Parishioners were left fuming when they discovered the heap of paving and tarmac dumped outside St Botolph’s Church, Colchester, as they left their Sunday service.

The rubble was believed to have been left by Essex County Council contractors who have been digging up part of the pavement in St Botolph’s Walk, which leads to the church.

Churchgoer and St Botolph’s businessesman Ron Levy said it was “disrespectful” to the building.

He contacted the Gazette on Wednesday after claiming two phone complaints to the council to clear the mess had been ignored.

Around 90 minutes after the council was contacted by the Gazette, contractors arrived and it was swiftly cleared.

Mr Levy said: “They were very embarrassed and very apologetic and very anxious to get it cleared as fast as possible.

“There were seven or eight wheelbarrow loads to clear onto their truck.

“I hope it will spread the message that nobody fly-tips anywhere.”

The rubble was discovered when congregation members came out of the church’s side entrance on Sunday morning.

Mr Levy, who runs Colchester Barber Shop in St Botolph’s Street, said: “We thought it was appalling. It is not a rubbish tip, it is a church.

“I think it is hypocritical when the council are trying to stop fly-tipping and they are doing it themselves.”

Colin Nicholson, church organist, added: “We already have to put up with an immense amount of rubbish and litter opposite the front of the church.

“This is the first time we have had rubbish, tarmac, paving stones and earth dumped.

“They certainly didn’t ask if they could leave it there.”

Essex County Council was contacted for comment but did not respond.