A group of volunteer litter pickers were left “angry” and “disgusted” after finding a mountain of urine-filled bottles and bags containing human waste dumped in a lay-by.

For the past three years Beccles Bombles have been meeting weekly to clear up litter-strewn areas of the picturesque town.

However, nothing could have prepared them for the deplorable level of waste they were confronted with this week when clearing a lay-by along the A146 on the outskirts of the town.

In one hour, volunteers filled 20 bags with litre bottles of urine, used nappies and plastic bags of human waste.

Waveney District councillor Caroline Topping, who helped set-up the group, said: “We have never experienced anything like that before.

“The area is renowned for being bad but we didn’t realise how bad it would be.”

Mrs Topping believes responsibility for the mess lies with lorry drivers and couriers who pull into the spot when travelling through the town.

She said: “If it is indeed people passing through, then how dare they treat our town like that. We should not have to do this. We are proud of our town and want to keep it tidy.”

She intends to raise the issue with Beccles Town Council, Waveney District Council and Suffolk County Council and hopes bins can be placed in the lay-by for waste to be properly disposed of.

She also suggested brambles and dense undergrowth in which the litter becomes entangled is removed and replaced with trees – making it harder for people to hide their waste.

Such suggestions have already garnered support from fellow councillor and Beccles resident Elfrede Brambley-Crawshaw.

She said: “The Beccles Bombles go out valiantly every week to pick up litter and it is about time we hit the issue head on.

“There are areas across the town where we have a significant problem with litter. It’s a real shame and time we make people responsible for their actions.”

Mrs Brambley-Crawshaw added: “It would be great to hear people’s suggestions and if anyone has any creative ideas to tackle the issue please get in touch.”

What do you think? Email bbj.letters@archant.co.uk

Anyone with suggestions can email Mrs Brambley-Crawshaw on elfrede.brambley-crawshaw@suffolk.gov.uk