AN investigation is underway after hundreds of tonnes of rubble were left in the path of boats near Osea Island.
Nigel Frieda, who owns the 400-acre island in the River Blackwater, near Heybridge Basin, said the huge piles of rocks on either side of the Stumble – a mile-long causeway providing road access from the mainland at low tide – were down to contractors acting on his behalf.
It was initially feared to be the work of fly-tippers.
The causeway is only open for about four hours in every 12 and is regularly submerged by water.
A spokesperson for Osea Island Resort said the rubble was being used to repair the causeway and insisted it would return to its usual height by tomorrow.
But Maldon District Council says the work is unauthorised.
It is now working alongside the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation to investigate.
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