Stop flytipping...or we’ll take back Weir Lane land, warns the Army (From Essex County Standard)

Stop flytipping...or we’ll take back Weir Lane land, warns the Army

5:43pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News By James Cox

THE ARMY could reclaim land it donated to the community because it’s plagued by flytippers.

The latest incident saw a stack of asbestos-covered sheets dumped in Weir Lane, Rowhedge .

The alleyway, a popular dog walking spot, belongs to the Army, but has been opened up to allow access to residents.

It has been repeatedly blighted by litter, vandalism and fly-tipping.

The group which looks after the area, featuring Army officers, residents and councillors, has called for help identifying those responsible.

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor for Rowhedge, said the community was in danger of losing the land if the problems do not stop.

He added: “There is a huge amount of asbestos from old garage buildings.

“It is absolutely disgusting. There’s lots of wildlife there. Asbestos is a danger to everybody. “The Army keep this land open in good faith. If this keeps happenin,g they will have a re-think.”

The alleyway has been closed off, with tests due later this week to determine whether the asbestos is harmful.

The site forms part of the 793 hectares of land shared between the Army and community.

Others include Middlewick Ranges, Donyland Woods and Friday Woods.

In 2010, the Middlewick Stakeholders Group was set up to fight vandalism, which was costing £30,000 to clear up.

But flytipping problems have returned at the Rowhedge site.

Retired Army major Udai Gurung, a member of the stakeholders group, volunteers to keep the area tidy and safe.

He said: “We don’t see as much vandalism, but the land is sometimes misused. One or two people don’t seem to understand.

“Until the tests are complete we can’t let anyone go in.”

Anyone with information on flytipping can call councillor Mike Lilly on 07776 257891.