A well-known Suffolk farmer is frustrated that fly-tippers have been dumping their rubbish close to his land between Claydon and Akenham.

Tom Walne, 89, was angry to discover several large piles of conifer branches and wood chippings had been abandoned along Old Norwich Road at some point on Thursday last week. 

Ipswich Star: Farmer Tom Walne said that piles of garden rubbish have been abandoned close to his land. Picture: Charlotte BondFarmer Tom Walne said that piles of garden rubbish have been abandoned close to his land. Picture: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Ipswich Star: Mr Walne said that another pile of garden waste appeared on Sunday. Picture: Charlotte BondMr Walne said that another pile of garden waste appeared on Sunday. Picture: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Ipswich Star: Mr Walne is known to many by the name of Farmer Tom. (Picture: Newsquest)Mr Walne is known to many by the name of Farmer Tom. (Picture: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Walne is known to many by the name of ‘Farmer Tom’, having spent a decades-long career breeding and rearing the iconic Suffolk Punch horses. 

He said the culprit struck again over the weekend, leaving more piles of garden rubbish in the gateway of his land further up the road. 

Between Whitton and Claydon, an unnamed stretch of road links Old Norwich Road with Old Ipswich Road.  

The stretch of road cannot legally be accessed by cars, and is only open to cyclists and local buses – although many motorists continue to use it, parish councillor Steven Walls explained last year. 

This is not the first time this stretch of road has been targeted by fly-tippers. Mr Walne contacted the Ipswich Star when a bath and toilet were abandoned in 2007, and again when two large loads of broken concrete were deposited near his paddock in Akenham in 2021. 

Ipswich Star: Mr Walne was angry that a bath and toilet were abandoned near his land in 2007.Mr Walne was angry that a bath and toilet were abandoned near his land in 2007. (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Mid Suffolk District Council said: “Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and one we take extremely seriously.  

“Not only is fly-tipping an eyesore and very costly to clear up, it is also damaging to the environment. 

“Advice about removing waste is available on our website, and we always recommend checking waste carrier licence details of anyone you employ to dispose of waste on your behalf – to help avoid unlawful dumping of waste.  

“Anyone convicted of fly-tipping could face large fines, or even be sent to prison.” 

Last week, Arunas Petrauskas was ordered to pay almost £2,000 in fines after he illegally dumped waste on private land in Ipswich.