Flytipped waste surrounds former Essex station, causing public outrage
Residents express frustration over the condition of Felsted Station
A former Essex station has been surrounded by huge piles of flytipped rubbish, which local residents have branded a “disgusting eyesore.” Locals say the mess at the former Felsted Station, near Dunmow, is “really sad” as the dumped waste continues to grow.
The piles of dumped waste are strewn along the road and around the building, which is becoming increasingly derelict. Keen cyclist Aidan Kelly raised concerns about the site’s condition.
The 54-year-old from Braintree said: “Flytipping is a blight on the Flitch Way and surrounding areas. No one seems bothered, and it is a big issue at the moment. I think people are angry that the council doesn’t appear to be doing anything. The house was renovated to a high standard and now it’s just a shell.”
He said the renovation had made the building look “great.” It follows plans agreed for the demolition of the buildings and the construction of eight homes.
The site is also for sale and is being marketed by Auction House East Anglia at £700,000. Uttlesford District Council says its priority has been to secure a “lasting” solution that avoids repeated enforcement and “significant” public cost.
More than 30 residents posted online about the flytipping at the former station, which closed in 1964. Another cyclist added: “I rode past this, and it was a complete eyesore, and it is abhorrent to see this mess. This is what was, and could still be, a beautiful historic building. It could be turned into a cafe or restaurant a bit like Rayne station has just down the line.”
One angry resident said: “It is a total disgrace that people are so lazy to spoil a site like that.”
A spokesman for Uttlesford Council said: “The preferred approach is the sale of the site with conditions requiring it to be cleared and secured within a short timeframe, with safeguards allowing the council to step in if this does not happen. If the sale completes, the site will be cleared within three weeks, and we will work alongside the new owners to secure it and deter further fly-tipping. If it does not sell, we will take direct action to clear and secure the site. We remain committed to resolving this matter and preventing further harm to the area.”
Developer Madisons Limited declined to comment.