FLY-TIPPERS dumped a pile of paving slabs and building materials at a beauty spot which houses endangered species.

Paving slabs, gravel and other waste was dumped on a slip way feeding into St Lawrence Bay.

Richard Nye, of Anchorage View, St Lawrence, is one of three volunteer coastal wardens in the village.

He said: “A whole host of paving slabs and some gravel has been dumped on the slip way near Waterside Park.

“It is extremely frustrating to see and it is an ongoing in issue in the area. We have had investigations carried out into the problems before.

“It is particularly annoying because I discovered a water vole nest near where all this waste has been dumped. They are an endangered species and this could impact upon them.

“It is just lazy and selfish. I think people think it is easier and cheaper for them to just dump it and let someone else worry about it.

“They have no regard for the area they are working in or for the countryside. Once they dump it they couldn’t care less.”

The dumping was reported to Maldon District Council, as well as the Environment Agency and Essex Wildlife Trust.

Ron Pratt, chairman of community services at the council, says fly-tipping represents a significant problem in the area.

He added: “Our community protection officers work closely with our partners, the police and the public to combat criminal activity in our area.

“When reports of fly-tipping are received we do all we can to investigate and pursue known offenders. We also share information with other authorities and local groups to encourage them to be vigilant.”

Anyone wanting to report fly-tipping should call 01621 854477.