Flytippers who use the River Colne as a dumping ground are ruining one of the "prettiest" spots in the county, it is claimed.

Ian Groves, of Head Street, Halstead, has informed the Gazette that a stretch of water near Bluebridge Industrial Estate has become a hotspot for fly tipping and graffiti.

Mr Groves rents part of Bluebridge Meadows and says removing rubbish from the river, which runs close to his land, is now part of his daily routine.

Different size items are allegedly being thrown into the Colne, while a nearby bridge has been graffitied and damaged by fire.

Mr Groves has hit out at those responsible for the mess caused and fears the amount of rubbish being fly tipped in the river is only getting worse.

He said: "It’s every day at the moment. This year has been the worst in all the years we’ve been taking care of this stretch of the Colne at Bluebridge Meadows.

"I recently pulled out a skip load of rubbish out which was then thrown back into the river the next day.

"There’s some rubbish (trapped) by the old Colne Bridge but I don’t know how to get to it out. Normally in the spring I get my kayak out and can fill a dustbin bag of cans and bottles."

He added: "It’s heart wrenching. People just don’t care anymore, I’ve noticed a big change in the last five years.

"There’s a bed in there, trolleys and all sorts. Someone has burnt the trees next to the bridge.

"The people doing it have ruined one of the prettiest places in Essex."

The Environment Agency has confirmed it has not received any reports of fly tipping in the River Colne and said the issue was unlikely to be a pollution risk or harm the quality of the water.

A spokesman revealed talks have been held with Braintree Council about the matter but insisted it was not the responsibility of the Environment Agency to tackle fly tipping.