A MAJOR gateway to the UK from Europe has been branded an unsightly mess with overgrown weeds and hoarding blocking off a field.

The two roundabouts next to Morrisons and Lidl in Dovercourt were designed to represent the European Flag and the St George's Cross.

But Harwich councillor John Brown has hit out at the state of them and called for action to tidy them both up.

The locally named blue roundabout had a blue carpet on the ground and trees planted to represent the stars.

But Mr Brown said the carpet has been removed and instead there are just weeds.

He added: "When I went there the other day it was horrific.

"At least the blue carpet looked tidy but now it's like a jungle.

"That's the main gateway in from Europe, the first thing they see is that roundabout.

"The weeds are four, five or even six feet tall - it looks a complete mess."

The next roundabout up, near to Lidl, is meant to be the St George's Cross.

Mr Brown said: "The little red bushes were the cross but now they have cut them down - it looks horrible.

"And the hoarding around the site near Lidl is falling to pieces.

"Something needs to be done.

"It's not a good sight for people coming in from Europe."

Tendring Council has plans for a sculpture on the blue roundabout.

A council spokesman said: “We have been working with Essex County Council and the enabling works have been done for the sculpture.

"Now the process is taking place to secure the funding to complete the installation of the artwork on the roundabout.

“We hope to make a formal announcement in the coming months.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “Both Essex County and Tendring District Councils have an interest in the positive appearance of the roundabout and its immediate environment and will agree on measures to improve its appearance quickly.”