AN INVESTIGATION is underway after a pile of rubbish was dumped along a countryside lane.

Scripps Road, near Coggeshall, had to be closed to traffic after a large fly-tip was discovered dumped in the middle of the road.

Wooden chairs, pallets and a cement mixer were among the items found dumped.

Braintree Council says it has removed the fly-tip and the authority is now appealing for the public's help to catch the culprit.

Environment boss Wendy Schmitt said: "There is no excuse for fly-tipping - it’s as simple as that.

"The message is always the same: if you fly-tip, you can expect a robust response from the council.

"This fly-tip was reported to us on Monday and our street cleansing team cleared the waste.

"An investigation has commenced in an effort to catch the culprits and we are appealing to anyone who may have any information about this fly-tip to get in touch with us."

Anyone with information should contact 01376 552525 or e-mail streetscene.enforcement@braintree.gov.uk..