When Tim Adams went out searching for potholes as part of his work as Cromer district's county councillor, he didn't expect to stumble across the remnants of a cannabis farm.

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor Tim Adams pictured at the spot in Southrepps where he found the dumped bags of cannabis.Picture: ANTONY KELLYCouncillor Tim Adams pictured at the spot in Southrepps where he found the dumped bags of cannabis.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Mr Adams, who is also a Cromer town councillor, was searching for highway potholes in Southrepps on the evening of February 11 when he came across almost 20 black sacks containing what he believed to be garden waste.

However, when examined the following day by a North Norfolk District Council officer, it transpired the waste was actually the remains of a former cannabis factory.

A council spokesperson said: 'Following a report of fly tipping in Southrepps, an Environmental Protection Officer attended to discover 18 black sacks dumped in Stump Cross Lane.

'The sacks appeared to contain the remnants of a cannabis farm; the incident has been reported and evidence has been passed to Norfolk Police.'

Mr Adams said: 'I'm shocked. The public are always advised not to disturb fly-tipping sites so I'm very glad I didn't.'

Mr Adams continued: 'It's just such a shame as I'd spent the day litter picking on Cromer beach with a group of volunteers.

'The area which the waste was dumped was actually on a reserve, so could have a really negative impact on the rare plants that live there. It's just a stupid thing to do.'

The councillor found two other fly tipping incidents that evening, one site trashed with general waste and the other with an upholstered lounge suite.

The North Norfolk District Council advise people not to disturb the site in case it can help to identify the people who dumped the items.

Instead they ask for the public to visually try to identify what the waste consists of and how much there is.

They also ask individuals to make a note of the day, date and time you saw the tipping, its exact location and whether it's in or near water.

If anyone witnesses fly tipping, they should take a note of how many people are involved and what they look like, as well as trying to record of any details of what they look like.

They also advise: 'Be very careful. Remember fly tippers are doing something illegal and are therefore unlikely to welcome people recording their activity. Never put yourself at risk.'