A PLEA has been made to Constable Country visitors to have respect after motorists clogged up country lanes and left litter strewn about.

Dedham residents took litter picking into their own hands alongside the picturesque riverbank after last weekend’s hot weather.

Anger was also voiced after motorists, unable to get into the packed pay and display car parks, resorted to parking on verges.

With bumper numbers of visitors expected this Easter weekend, parish council chairwoman Sheila Beeton has asked for the public’s co-operation.

She said: “We would like people to respect the natural environment in the area and behave in a manner that doesn’t offend others.

“We are doing everything in our power to manage the litter collections and we want everybody’s co-operation.”

Mrs Beeton accused motorists of “disgraceful” behaviour after they had parked on both sides of Dedham Road (B1029) leading out of the village centre to Stratford St Mary.

She said discussions were ongoing with private land owners in the village who are prepared to offer additional visitor parking.

Colchester Council has said it will install an extra litter bin in the area this weekend and empty it promptly.