Van found stuck in mud at fly-tipping site

Two men have been charged after a van was found stuck in mud next to a large amount of fly-tipped waste.

Items including furniture, suitcases and bedding were discovered in Redricks Lane, Sawbridgeworth on Saturday at about 16:30 GMT.

Hertfordshire Police said the pair were charged with the deposit of rubbish within 15ft (five metres) of the centre of a highway.

The vehicle was seized after the force was called by a member of the public who saw waste being dumped.

The men were taken into police custody and are due at St Albans Magistrates' Court on Friday, 6 February.

A spokesperson for Gilston Crop Management, which operates on the land, said: "Dumping of waste on farmland causes significant disruption and damage, placing an added financial burden of thousands of pounds on an already struggling farming sector.

"This incident has not only taken up considerable time and physical effort to resolve, time that should be spent maintaining crops, but is also compounded by the fear it may happen again, highlighting the urgent need for stronger enforcement and community vigilance to protect our rural areas."

Sgt David Miller said: "Fly-tipping has a big impact on landowners and local communities and it's an issue we take seriously."

The force said if anyone witnesses fly-tipping in progress, they should call 999, and if anyone discovers it already dumped they should report it to the local council.

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