Community appeal launched after reports of persistent roadside littering and fly tipping in Long Melford

Published: 05:00, 15 February 2021

Motorists have been urged to stop leaving their litter along a main route into Long Melford after a couple spent hours collecting 18 sacks of rubbish from a fly-tipping hotspot.

Julie and Steve Thomson, of The Drays, have left Mills Lane looking ‘spic and span’ after spending three days clearing waste that drivers had thrown from windows into the grassy verges.

And one of the repeat offenders appears to enjoy a can, or two, of Fosters lager.

Julie Thomson picking up litter (44338724)

The pair acted alone after the Long Melford Litter Pickers group was suspended due to Covid-19.

Mrs Thomson said: “It doesn’t take a forensic scientist to tell from the varying ageing of the debris that this is a deliberate, long term and ongoing piece of mindless vandalism.”

The pair reported eight incidents of fly-tipping to Babergh District Council and have also contacted Suffolk Police.

Julie Thomson picking up litter (44338715)

Mrs Thomson said food and cigarette packets were among the commonly found items. She revealed her pet hates to include bottles filled with urine, and filled dog bags – apparently forgotten or left behind by pet owners.

But one persistent find is cans of Fosters, which has worried Mrs Thomson that one offender may be drinking, driving and dumping.

“This must also involve a serious case of drink driving,” she said. “Someone local must see this vehicle doing the same journey every day while throwing cans on to the roadside.”

She has asked anyone with information about fly-tippers to contact Suffolk Constabulary, quoting reference SC 02022021-86.

Sudbury Suffolk Homepage William Mata