Ivan Henderson: The streets of Dovercourt need action

Labour councillor Ivan Henderson has now called on Tendring and Essex councils to take action and tidy up the streets both are responsible for.

He labelled the cliff slopes as a particular eyesore spot, while the height of some of the weeds around the town centre has reached about three foot in height.

“The whole place has become a mess,” Mr Henderson said. “People are outraged that no action has been taken.

“It’s absolutely dreadful to look at, the councils have lost control of keeping the streets tidy. They obviously haven’t got enough resources and they seriously need think about employing extra.

“They don’t seem to be on top of it - I don’t know where the workers are. It’s totally unacceptable, they’ve got to take action as it impacts the quality of people’s lives.

“This can’t go on, people shouldn’t have to walk around and see this everyday and put up with it when they pay their council tax.

“Residents need to feel pride in their area, but this is hard at the moment, and the first impressions for visitors coming to the town aren’t going to be great either.”

Mr Henderson pointed to the former Starlings site, off High Street, as another spot which needs urgent seeing to by the council.

Parts of the hoarding surrounding the site have been removed, exposing the eyesore to all who walk past.

He added: “I’ve been promised the hoardings at the Starlings site will be put back up soon numerous times, however it still looks like a bomb site for all to see.

“What are Tendring Council doing - walking round with their eyes closed?

“You’re either taking tourism seriously or you’re not - if we’re talking about recovery in the area, then they need to do the basics right.”

A spokesman for Tendring District Council, which carries out weed clearance on its land and in some areas on behalf of Essex Council according to a set schedule, said weather conditions had caused a particularly strong growth spurt.

“Our open spaces and gardening teams work hard, year-round in all weathers to keep the whole of the district looking tidy - and do fantastic work with our beautiful planting displays too,” he added.

“We have recently seen a period of good rainfall followed by long sunny spells at a time of maximum daylight, following a cold spring, which are perfect conditions for plants - whether flowers, grass or weeds - to grow.

“Our teams, supplemented with seasonal staff and contractors, are busy with their grass-cutting work to get the district back to a good standard, and we ask that people appreciate their efforts and the conditions they are dealing with.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways added: “Any trees or shrubs, including hedges, which are on private land but growing over or overhanging the public highway must be cut back by the landowner.

“On public land next to the road or pavement, including Highways land, we have arrangements with other partner councils to keep these tidy.”