‘Fly-tipped’ sugar beet removed from Suffolk road
17th January 2024
Suffolk Highways came under criticism on social media after it referred to a large amount of sugar beet being ‘fly-tipped’ on a road in Ipswich. It’s thought a local farmer was forced to store the beet there due to waterlogged land following recent flooding.
In a since-deleted post, Suffolk Highways said on X: “We are aware of the large amount of sugar beet that has been fly-tipped along Old Norwich Road, Ipswich. We have informed the Waste Enforcement team at the relevant district council.”
The sugar beet was spotted alongside Old Norwich Road between Ipswich and Claydon in Suffolk on Tuesday, 16th January. Whilst it has not been confirmed why the beet was there, it is thought the grower was forced to store it at the roadside due to waterlogged land.
Describing the sugar beet as ‘fly-tipped’ prompted a backlash on social media as well as a number of messages of support for the farmer.
David Catchpole said on Facebook: ‘Such a pity local people don’t understand we live in a rural county. Obviously not fly tipped, they are sugar beet worth probably thousands of pounds stored on a hardly used not designated as a thoroughfare road! Seriously has no one noticed we have had a lot of rain recently, making virtually impossible to lot these beet directly from the field! [sic].’
Elaine Venier said ‘not fly-tipped, waiting for collection’, while Sam Webster said: “I’ll do them a deal. If they shift the half dozen tyres fly tipped here I will move that beet and dispose of it for free! Can’t say fairer than that!’
Speaking to the Ipswich Star, Glenn Buckingham, Suffolk NFU deputy chairman, estimated the pile could weigh as much as 300 tonnes. The sugar beet price for 2024/25 has been agreed at £40/tonne.
Beet in transit to British Sugar
Workers were spotted removing the beet today (17th January), ready to send to the British Sugar factory in Bury St Edmunds.
A spokesperson for British Sugar said yesterday that they were aware of sugar beet awaiting collection on Old Norwich Road, and have spoken to the farmer who left the beet there, who assured them it would be transported to the factory today.
British Sugar spokesperson added: “Safety and health is at the heart of all our operations, and we do remind all our growers, contractors and hauliers of the importance of respecting local communities and highways in our campaign handbook, which is issued prior to the harvest each year. We expect them to adhere to these guidelines.”
Speaking to ITV, a spokesperson for Suffolk County Council said the local farmer would not be fined for storing the beet on the road.
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