RESIDENTS of a picturesque village made famous by landscape artist John Constable are being plagued by litter louts and “dangerous” parking as visitors flock to the countryside.

Littering, anti-social behaviour, and irresponsible parking have been common issues in Dedham, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The village was recently touted as the 11th most ‘Instagrammable’ village in the UK by property website Bankrate.

The site assessed the number of times social media users mentioned 100 villages across the country, with Dedham attracting 57,000 ‘hashtags.’

Resident Adam Gilson said while this newly bestowed accolade is “fantastic”, he now felt unable to walk his dog around the village because of anti-social behaviour.

“I fully support people’s new outlook on outdoor living, with the inflatable kayaks, barbecues and picnics,” he said.

“But this comes with the antisocial behaviour, loud music being played, rubbish being left everywhere, residents having to collect the rubbish up themselves, burn marks all over the river banks and foul language from inebriated youngsters.

“I now feel I’m unable to walk our dog and take our children out in what was once an area of natural beauty.”

Last July, double yellow lines were painted along the B1029, in Dedham, in a bid to tackle parking.

Work pushing for the lines took place between Dedham and Stratford St Mary parish councils, the North Essex Parking Partnership and Suffolk County Council, but visitors have been flouting the restrictions.

Dedham Parish Council says it is lobbying to see parking restrictions enforced and litter bugs punished.

In a message to residents, chairman Kevin Taylor said: “Many of us are concerned about the impact that visitors are having on us.

“Councillors at all levels are aware of the issues and equally concerned, but our ability and responsibilities are very much bounded by our county area.”

He added: “Whilst we are doing all we can to encourage a concerted cross-border approach, your help is needed to ensure that the authorities have an accurate view of the issues that affect us all.

“Parking on the verge side of double yellow lines, such as on the pavements next to the bridge, on verges and in gateways is an offence.”