Norwich: Fly-tipping spate along Marriott's Way slammed

A litter hotspot of the 26-mile walking and cycling route - which stretches from Norwich to Aylsham - lies between Sloughbottom Park and Andersons Meadow.

Waste in the water along the Marriotts Way, Norwich (Image: Supplied)

Those frequenting the popular stretch have complained of fly-tipping, rats and dead animals which have not been removed.

Friends of Train Wood and Marriott's Way chairwoman, Maddy Goodall, said: "This area in particular can be quite bad for fly-tipping.

Maddy Goodall, chairwoman of the Friends of Train Wood and Marriott's Way (Image: Maddy Goodall)

"It is really depressing, particularly when we're so lucky to have the Marriott's Way as green spaces of remarkable biodiversity.

"Regular visitors will, of their own volition, informally pick up litter outside of our organised picks.

Trollies are among the debris dumped along the Marriotts Way (Image: Supplied)

"There is a lot of pride and gratitude, but it's quite demoralising that these issues persist.

"It's like you're putting a sticking plaster on the issue rather than bringing about a change.

Building supplies dumped down the Marriotts Way between Sloughbottom Park and Andersons Meadow (Image: Supplied)

"Anti-social behaviour here is a complex and multi-faceted issue.

"It's easy to vilify those who fly-tip, especially when you care about the space and are concerned about the impact."

White goods and building supplies dumped on the Marriotts Way in Norwich (Image: Supplied)

READ MORE: Recycling disparity for those without cars creates fly-tipping 'temptation'

Labour county councillor for Mile Cross, Chrissie Rumsby, added: "We work hard to make Marriott's Way beautiful so it's disheartening to see fly-tipping get worse - especially since the closure of the Mile Cross tip.

"The cost of living crisis and the charge for bulky waste collection has an impact - people can't afford to dispose of their waste properly.

Cllr Chrissie Rumsby (Image: Labour Party)

READ MORE: 60 tonnes of unwanted items donated at drive-through reuse centre

"Tightening up prosecution won't work. But this is an issue that needs to be cracked."

Lucy Galvin, Green councillor and committee member of the friends group added: "Hundreds of people enjoy the Marriott's Way on a daily basis.

Cllr Lucy Galvin (Image: DO NOT USE)

"If you spot fly-tipping please make a note of the time and place and report it, ideally with a photo.

"Fly-tipping spoils our lovely city for everyone and needs to be got a grip on."

You can report fly-tipping at www.norwich.gov.uk/reportastreetissue.