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Grays farmer faces £350,000 bill after 2,000 tonnes of waste is fly-tipped on his land
Overview
A fifth-generation farmer in North Stifford, near Grays, Essex, has been left facing a potential £350,000 clean-up bill after criminals illegally dumped 2,000 tonnes of processed plastic, wood, and stone across 10 acres of his land. The waste went unnoticed for weeks because it was hidden by tall maize crops, which also resulted in the destruction of 200 tonnes of maize silage intended to feed cattle. Although he is the victim of a crime, the farmer could face prosecution as the landowner if he does not clear the mess, though his insurance is expected to cover the cost. Both the Environment Agency and Essex Police are investigating the incident.
Key points
- Around 2,000 tonnes of waste, including processed plastic, wood, and stone, was dumped across 10 acres of land in North Stifford, Essex.
- Criminals broke a gate padlock, replaced it with their own, and used tall maize crops to hide the dumping, allowing it to go undetected for weeks.
- The fly-tipping destroyed 200 tonnes of maize silage that the farmer, Alex Sell, was growing to feed his cattle.
- As the landowner, Sell faces a potential £350,000 clean-up bill and could theoretically be prosecuted if he fails to clear the waste, though his insurance is expected to pay.
- The Environment Agency and Essex Police are investigating the incident and appealing for information from the public.