Babergh District Council officers are appealing to the public to help them catch a rogue fly-tipper who is dumping rotting chicken carcasses in the district.
In the last eight weeks, Babergh’s Environmental Protection Team has received four separate reports of sacks of rotting chicken carcasses illegally dumped around Acton and Little Cornard - and is now asking local residents to come forward if they have seen anything suspicious.
The carcasses are plucked as if ready for sale, and typically four or five black sacks are being dumped on quiet, country lanes.
Officers at nearby Braintree District Council have reported similar incidences recently in Borley, near Long Melford. Rotting meat is not only unpleasant for residents and passers-by by causing odour and attracting flies - as well as having the potential to cause a health risk.
“Babergh takes this matter very seriously and is worried about the frequency of the waste being dumped” said Jo Hart, Babergh’s Environmental Protection officer.
“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 also 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 Council Offices on Corks Lane, by calling 01473 826622, or emailing environmental.protection@babergh.gov.uk. ENDS
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