Kent cyclist says litter in Thurrock is a national disgrace

A KENT cyclist has branded Thurrock the litter capital of Europe and a national disgrace.

Ted Prangnell from Ashford recently completed a ride from Ashford to Berlin, passing through Thurrock on the way.

The cyclist was disappointed with the amount of litter in Gravesend but says the biggest shock came when he entered Thurrock.

He said: “I have cycled in 12 different countries and the least cycle friendly country to cycle in is the UK.

“Whilst riding on a bicycle one is able to see how clean and tidy a country is.

“There was the usual traditional litter and fly-tipping as I passed through Kent to that litter paradise, Gravesend, but once I was across the Thames into Essex, and Thurrock, I must have found the litter capital of Europe.

“All the way along the roads to Tilbury the drainage ditches were chock-a-block, full with every conceivable item of rubbish.

“This could be serious in the event of any flooding.”

Mr Prangnell was so shocked by the amount of litter in Mucking Wharf Road, which links Stanford-le-Hope to East Tilbury that he stopped to take a picture.

Mr Prangnell added: “Because the Tilbury to Gravesend Ferry crossing carries cycles and it is the first, and almost the only, Thames crossing East of London, it is a natural focus point for touring cyclists heading north.

“What a shocking indictment to the lack of pride in our country this litter presents to anybody visiting this country.”

“This is no simple matter for a few school children to pick up, oh no, it is on a far greater scale than that. It is a National Disgrace!

“We would be certain to win Gold at the Litter Olympics, such serious littering makes be ashamed to me British.”

Thurrock Council spokesperson Andy Lever said of the litter at Mucking Wharf Road: “Thurrock Council is aware that tipping is happening there weekly and our investigations are continuing into them.

“The council has had two instances in the last month which were both cleared by our private contractor within 24 hours of being reported.

“The council relies on members of the public reporting such instances as our CCTV cameras cannot be in all the locations where fly tipping occurs at all times.

“The council does take action where evidence is gathered at the scene of fly tipping.”