A SEARCH is on today for a rogue fly-tipper who has dumped thousands of rotting chicken carcasses down country lanes in west Suffolk and north Essex.

Russell Claydon

A SEARCH is on today for a rogue fly-tipper who has dumped thousands of rotting chicken carcasses down country lanes in west Suffolk and north Essex.

In the last eight weeks, Babergh's environmental protection team has received four separate reports of sacks of rotting the carcasses illegally dumped around Acton and Little Cornard - and is now asking local residents to come forward if they have seen anything suspicious.

Officers at nearby Braintree District Council have reported similar incidences recently in Borley, near Long Melford.

The carcasses are plucked as if ready for sale, and typically four or five black sacks are being dumped on quiet, country lanes.

Jo Hart, Babergh's Environmental Protection officer, said: “Babergh takes this matter very seriously and is worried about the frequency of the waste being dumped.

“We did originally receive a report from a member of the public as to where they suspected the waste was coming from, but further investigations have not revealed any evidence.

“The number of carcasses, and the fact that they have been plucked, suggests it might be someone producing them as a business.”

Babergh is contacting local butchers to make them aware of the issue and asking them for details if they have been approached by any unknown suppliers offering chicken for sale, and are also keen to hear from local residents if they have seen anything suspicious.

Fly-tipping is an offence which carries a maximum fine of �50,000 as well as the risk of imprisonment.

Anyone with information is asked to report this by visiting the Babergh council offices on Corks Lane, by calling 01473 826622, or emailing environmental.protection@babergh.gov.uk.