Sevenoaks flytipper jailed!
30th July 2008
On Thursday, 24th July 2008, two men were found guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates Court for a fly tipping offence at New Ash Green.
Henry William Dunn, 27, and his brother, 19 year old Matthew Dunn, both of South Ash Road, New Ash Green, Sevenoaks were convicted after being caught flytipping green waste onto roads around the Barnfield Park area by a KCC officer. Using this information, Clean Kent's enforcement team then prepared the prosecution case against the brothers on behalf of Sevenoaks District Council.
Both defendants were found guilty and were fined £250 and each ordered to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £15. However, the bench agreed that Henry Dunn's fine be commuted into a 28 day custodial sentence.
Keith Ferrin Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste said:
This prosecution sends out a clear message that flytipping will not be tolerated and can result in a prison sentence for those involved. The robust approach taken is something we welcome in our crackdown on environmental crime.
This custodial sentence comes as Clean Kent marks its fourth anniversary. The campaign, a multi-agency initiative including all local authorities, was launched specifically to tackle incidents of littering and flytipping countywide.
Councillor Avril Hunter, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment said:
This conviction is an excellent outcome and provides a strong message to flytippers that their behaviour is unacceptable. We wish to prevent such anti-social acts so that we can all enjoy a clean and safe Kent.
The work of the Clean Kent partnership has helped achieve a reduction in the number of reported instances of flytipping by 35% and Kent Fire and Rescue Service figures also show reported cases of loose rubbish fires down by over 40%.
Sevenoaks flytipper caught by Clean Kent.
18th July 2008
A conviction for flytipping by Kent County Council's Clean Kent Enforcement team and Sevenoaks District Council has sent out the message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.
Dumping bags of rubbish and cardboard on private farmland in New Road, Sundridge; 38 year old Brandon Farrant, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the charge of flytipping. Sentenced at Sevenoaks Magistrates Court on 26th June 2008, Mr Farrant received a £180 fine including £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Keith Ferrin Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste says:
Kent County Council and its partners in the Clean Kent Campaign will take strong action against flytipping offenders, seeking criminal convictions and financial redress. The environment of Kent is to be valued and protected and this conviction should send a warning to others of the seriousness of such environmental crime.
Clean Kent is working hard to reduce the incidences of fly-tipping across Kent. Recognising that fly-tipping along with litter, rubbish and abandoned vehicles are seen as key manifestations of anti-social behaviour and in turn, crime; Clean Kent set up a dedicated enforcement unit designed solely to tackle these difficult issues. The work of this team, along with many other initiatives has resulted in the reduction of the reported incidences of fly-tipping overall by 35%, one of the campaign's key targets.
Serial flytipper fined.
3rd July 2008
A conviction for flytipping secured by Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council through the Clean Kent Campaign sends a clear message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.
Between 12th October and 10th December 2007, Folkestone based baker Jean Charles Lefebvre dumped over 43 rubbish sacks full of bread, eggs, empty flour sacks and cardboard on the A28 outside the village of Bethersden. As well as being an anti-social act and unsightly, the flytipped rubbish also posed a serious environmental health threat, with the dumped food goods attracting vermin.
Sentenced at Folkestone Magistrates' Court in May 2008, the court took a harsh view on the charges brought and reflected this in the fines administered to Mr Lefebvre: £1,500 for each offence, a contribution to the costs of £1,933.34 plus a £15 victim surcharge. The total amount due from Mr Lebebvre was set at £4,948.34.
Working together with Ashford Borough Council, KCC's Clean Kent's enforcement team were able to capture the illegal activities of Mr Lefebvre following several covert surveillance operations in which they captured the crimes on hidden cameras. This evidence was subsequently used as key evidence in the court case against the accused.
Keith Ferrin, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste said:
Flytipping of any kind is a damaging and illegal activity which can lead to more serious crimes. Through the Clean Kent Campaign, local authorities will not hesitate to bring these offenders to justice, seeking criminal convictions and financial redress. Kent as a county is to be valued and protected from those engaging in environmental crime.
Commenting on the case for Ashford Borough Council, Neil Bell, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services and IT, had the following to add:
I am pleased that the courts have taken a serious view on this case and have fined Mr Lefebvre accordingly. This conviction is a positive result which sends out a strong message against fly-tipping. We are working to put a stop to illegal and anti-social acts of this nature in order to make Ashford a cleaner and safer place.
Clean Kent is working hard to reduce the incidences of fly-tipping across Kent. Recognising that fly-tipping along with litter, rubbish and abandoned vehicles are seen as key manifestations of anti-social behaviour and in turn, crime; Clean Kent set up a dedicated enforcement unit designed solely to tackle these difficult issues. The work of this team, along with many other initiatives has resulted in the reduction of the reported incidences of fly-tipping overall by 35%, one of the campaign's key targets.
At present the Clean Kent Campaign is currently investigating a further 26 cases of fly tipping where 2 of these have arrest warrants attached to them.
Kent welcomes Bill Bryson's litter campaign.
28th May 2008
As part of his national Stop the Drop campaign, Bill Bryson, President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is coming to Kent to help clear up some of the litter which affects our most beautiful countryside.
The author, who is spearheading the nationwide CPRE campaign against litter and fly-tipping, will join Kent campaigners, volunteers and community clean-up professionals on a litter pick along the historic Pilgrim's Way near Ashford. The event will start at the beautiful and iconic Devil's Kneading Trough and finish at Stowting, five miles away.
Bill Bryson said:
Stop the Drop aims to highlight this issue and make people think twice about littering. We also believe in leading by example and aim to show others how, with a little effort, local environments can become cleaner.
Kent is a beautiful county and I am really dismayed to see it spoiled by rubbish. CPRE's Stop the Drop campaign aims to turn this around so we can give Britain back its clean and beautiful countryside.
Melanie Price, Clean Kent Co-ordinator, said:
We welcome Bill Bryson's campaign because it brings the issues of litter and fly-tipping into the public spotlight. Clean Kent has spent four years working hard to tackle these issues countywide and we have had some amazing successes, such as a 35% reduction in reported incidents of fly-tipping. Although we've come along way, we recognise that there is still ground to cover and hope that with continued co-operation from partner organisations and the public, we can help make Kent a cleaner, safer and more beautiful place to live and work.
Bill Bryson concluded: This event should remind us all of three things: how beautiful Kent's countryside is, how it is being damaged by litter and fly-tipping and how we can change that. CPRE and organisations such as Clean Kent are putting a lot into restoring our countryside to its rightful glory. Just by taking our rubbish home instead of throwing it in a hedge or out of a car window, we can join them and make our countryside clean and serene once more.
Tonbridge flytipper convicted by Clean Kent.
20th May 2008
A recent conviction for fly tipping by Clean Kent and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has sent out the message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.
Dumping used computer monitors outside a second hand shop in Tonbridge; Michael Larter of Tunbridge Wells pleaded guilty of fly tipping in Barden Road, Tonbridge at Maidstone Magistrates Court on 13th May 2008. He received a £200 fine including £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Keith Ferrin, Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste says:
Kent County Council and its partners in the Clean Kent Campaign will take strong action against fly tipping offenders, seeking criminal convictions and financial redress. The environment of Kent is to be valued and protected and this conviction should send a warning to others of the seriousness of such environmental crime.
Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Owen Baldock said:
This conviction is a positive result which sends out a strong message against fly-tipping. We aim to stop illegal and anti-social acts of this nature in order to make our borough a cleaner and safer place.
Clean Kent is working hard to reduce the incidences of fly-tipping across Kent. Recognising that fly-tipping along with litter, rubbish and abandoned vehicles are seen as key manifestations of anti-social behaviour and in turn, crime; Clean Kent set up a dedicated enforcement unit designed solely to tackle these difficult issues. The work of this team, along with many other initiatives has resulted in the reduction of the reported incidences of fly-tipping overall by 35%, one of the campaign's key targets.
Eco-schools clean up in awards ceremony
17th March 2008
Eleven schools recently collected a Clean Kent Schools award:
- Birchington CEP School, Birchington
- Brent Primary School, Dartford
- The Cheyne Middle School, Sheerness
- Ditton Juniors, Aylesford
- Halfway Houses Primary School, Sheerness
- Hever CEP School, Hever
- Hunton CEP School, Maidstone
- Hythe Bay C of E Primary School, Hythe
- Minster CEP School, Minster-in-Thanet
- Sandown School, Sevenoaks
- Shoreham Village School, Shoreham
Conviction for fly-tipping - Clean Kent Campaign fights to protect the environment.
17th March 2008
A recent conviction secured by the Clean Kent Campaign working in partnership with Gravesham Borough Council for the criminal offence of fly-tipping sends a clear warning that environmental crime will not be tolerated.
Patrick Ryan was found guilty of fly-tipping in Springhead Road, Gravesend at Dartford Magistrates Court on 27th February 2008. Pleading guilty he was fined £150 with £464 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Keith Ferrin Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste says:
Kent County Council and its partners in the Clean Kent Campaign will take strong action against fly-tipping offenders, seeking criminal convictions and financial redress. The environment of Kent is to be valued and protected and this conviction should send a warning to others of the seriousness of such environmental crime.
Cllr John Cubitt, Gravesham Borough Council Cabinet member for cleaner, greener and safer issues said:
This conviction is a positive result which sends out a strong message against fly-tipping within this borough. We aim to stop illegal acts of this nature and make the area a cleaner and safer place.
Clean Kent is working hard to reduce the incidences of fly-tipping across Kent. Recognising that fly-tipping along with litter, rubbish and abandoned vehicles are seen as key manifestations of anti-social behaviour and in turn, crime; Clean Kent set up a dedicated enforcement unit designed solely to tackle these difficult issues. The work of this team, along with many other initiatives has resulted in the reduction of the reported incidences of fly-tipping overall by 15%, one of the campaign's key targets.
Kentish Stour Countryside Project newsletters
6th January 2008
Download the Spring issues of the countryside newsletter for people living in and around the Kent Downs.
- Ashford Issue - Spring 2008
- Canterbury Issue - Spring 2008
- Kent Downs Issue - Spring 2008
- The Mid Kent Downs Project newsletter - Spring 2008
Clean Kent, making you aware of your duty to care
17th September 2007
As part of their ongoing commitment to protect and preserve Kent, the Clean Kent Campaign has recently toured Kent to promote the Duty of Care legislation. Offering free advice on the safe and legal disposal of waste to householders and tradesmen, Clean Kent, in partnership with the Environment Agency and Kent County Council Trading Standards, held events at selected B&Q and Build Center branches.
What is Duty of Care and how does it affect me?
Whilst Duty of Care may not be a well-known term, the legislation does have implications for all householders and tradesmen across the UK. Currently the law states that if any waste is removed by a tradesman, such as a builder, plumber, garden contractor, waste removal service from a residential or commercial property and it ends up being flytipped, both householders and tradesmen could end up being fined if the rubbish is traced back to either party.
The law in action
Although more familiar to tradesmen, there are still some who are not complying with or are unsure of their responsibilities in the context of Duty of Care. A waste carrier's licence is £144 for 3 years, which is good value considering that a fixed penalty notice for non-compliance could cost £300. The chance of being fined is high in Kent with routine stop-checks involving agencies such as the Environment Agency, the Police, Customs and Revenue and VOSA happening regularly across the county.Alan Cansdale, EnvironmentÝManager for the Environment Agency said:
We have been cracking down on illegal waste activity in Kent and have seen clearÝimprovements. Everyone, from householders to businesses can help to stamp out the problem of waste crime by ensuring that they only use registered waste carriers and waste sites.
Protecting the consumer
Aside from the specific licensing issues, the Duty of Care legislation also works to protect householders. By checking for a valid waste carriers licence it helps the public make a considered choice when employing tradesmen. A further guarantee can be found with the Buy With Confidence - Good Trader Scheme. This is run by Kent County Council Trading Standards and ensures that all traders who are members have been vetted and approved for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws.Educating the public and trade on this legislation is key, as Melanie Price, Clean Kent Co-ordinator explains:
Everyone in the waste chain has a responsibility - or a duty of care - to make sure the waste is disposed of properly. By raising awareness of the law amongst traders and the general public, small and large businesses are being encouraged to deal with their rubbish in a responsible, legal and sustainable way.
She comments further:
Through enforcement, education and encouragement, we will hopefully stamp out rogue traders and diminish illegal waste activities such as flytipping in order to make our communities clean and beautiful places to live and work in.
Handy hints for you
Lastly, as a guide to help you, Clean Kent has put together some handy hints on Duty of Care.For the general public:
- Always ask for a waste carrier licence number.
- Visit Clean Kent to check the number: www.cleankent.com or call the Environment Agency on 0870 850 6506.
- If a tradesman in not registered, don't use them.
For tradesmen:
- If you transport waste you have not produced yourself, or builders waste, you must register as a waste carrier.
- If you transport waste another person/company has produced, always get a description of the load and a transfer note.
- Always deposit waste at a licensed site.
For more information on Duty of Care, visit www.cleankent.com or contact the Environment Agency on 0870 850 6506.
Clean Kent winners get the gift of heritage
28th August 2007
Three lucky winners will soon take advantage of a year's membership to English Heritage following a competition organised by Clean Kent at this year's County Show. Participants had to correctly guess the location of five tourist attractions throughout Kent to win the top prize.
One of the winners, Michael Cantwell was presented with his family membership following a short ceremony held at County Hall, Maidstone on Thursday 16th August. Michael from Aylesford, Kent is delighted to have won and is eager to use his prize to visit one of the many properties in the county.
Michael comments:
I've wanted to join English Heritage for some time now and took the chance at the Clean Kent stand. The clues were pretty tough but I made some lucky guesses, which proved to be right! The best part about winning is that the prize is for the whole family, so we can all benefit from my good fortune and enjoy some great days out.
Kent is a clean and beautiful county that the Clean Kent Campaign continues to support and promote both through their ongoing work and with events of this nature. Keith Ferrin, Cabinet Member - Environment, Highways & Waste, Kent County Council adds:
The Clean Kent stand at the County Show this year was very busy which proves that Kent residents are interested in keeping their area clean and beautiful. It seems right that we reward them for their support and this prize fits in with the campaign objectives of preserving, enjoying and discovering our great county.
From left to right: Joe Cantwell; Leyland Ridings, Chairman, KCC; Rachel Cantwell; Michael Cantwell (prize winner); Megan Cantwell and Melanie Price, Clean Kent Co-ordinator
Surprise checks on builders in Swale
10th July 2007
The Environment Agency and Swale Borough Council Environment Response team will be checking up on builders in the Swale area and reminding them of their responsibilities on building waste today and tomorrow (9 and 10 July). Householders will also be reminded of their responsibilities when it comes to building waste.
The Environment Agency and Swale Borough Council are clamping down to try and reduce the amount of flytipping in the Swale area. In the last year, there were 8,354 incidents of flytipping, which cost the council more than £500,000 to clear up.
The visits on 9 and 10 July aim to inform builders and householders that waste is their responsibility and that they must use registered waste carriers to dispose of waste. If they don't, and their waste is flytipped, they could face a court appearance and fines of up to £5,000 - just for trusting the wrong person with their waste.
Harvey Bradshaw, Area Manager for the Environment Agency in Kent said:
Flytipping is a scourge on the Kent countryside. It costs local authorities and the Environment Agency millions of pounds every year in clean up costs - money that could be put to much better use.
If we cut out the waste available to flytippers, we can put them out of business. This isn't a way of making more money out of the public. We don't want to have to fine people for not organising their waste properly, but we need to get the message through that we all have to do our bit when it comes to waste to clean up our county.
Alister Andrews, Environmental Response Manager for Swale Borough Council said:
Anyone who creates waste has a duty of care to ensure that it is disposed of in an appropriate manner. This is just one example of how key partners are working together to educate, and advise householders and businesses of their responsibilities. By tackling the problem at source we will create a cleaner Kent.
If a waste carrier is legal, they will be registered with the Environment Agency. To check your waste carrier contact 08708 506506 and request an instant waste carrier validation check. Or you can check on our website.
Schools say goodbye to bad rubbish!
26th March 2007
Children from Teynham Parochial C E Primary School raised awareness of the issue of littering when they organised a school clean up earlier this month. Using equipment provided by the Clean Kent Campaign and Swale Borough Council, the pupils successfully cleared away 6 sackfuls of litter from the school grounds and surrounding areas.
In addition to the clean up, both Teynham Parochial and nearby Lynsted and Norton Primary schools are
organising a design a poster
competition based around the theme of litter. The winner from each school
will be awarded a prize kindly donated by Cllr Sylvia Butt of Teynham Parish Council.
The litter events form part of an initiative organised by the Environment Working Group; a body set up to tackle the issues raised by the Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Plan. Bob Baxter, event co-ordinator explains:
Our residents, young and old feel strongly about improving their local environment. We're thrilled by the way the children have responded to the project and are equally delighted to have the support of the Clean Kent Campaign. It goes to prove that you can't start too young in the battle against litter!
Keith Ferrin, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste comments further:
It's great to see communities taking pride in their local environment by carrying out clean-ups in their local area.
A broader litter-pick, involving families from both parishes that comprise Greenstreet
, is planned for later
on in the year.
Tidal tidy up in Sandwich Bay
26th March 2007
Saturday 10th March saw local volunteers and the Kent Wildlife Trust come together with the Clean Kent Campaign to clean up Sandwich Bay. Dover District Council provided disposal of the magnificent rubbish haul which produced 30 sacks of waste consisting mainly of oceanic flotsam such as fishing nets and general litter; but there were some interesting aquatic finds such as cuttlefish bones and squid eggs!
Organised by Jason Mitchell of the Kent Wildlife Trust, the day was also a way to welcome new volunteers to the charity. Jason explains:
The clean-ups are an important way of preserving the wildlife and beauty of our coastline. Volunteers play a vital role in these activities and we're always keen to welcome new members and introduce them to the work we do. Volunteers can get a lot out of participating in our projects: not only do they meet the reserve wardens and learn about the different habitats and wildlife but they also benefit from helping to save this fragile environment for present and future generations.
Keith Ferrin, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste comments further:
It's great to see events of this kind with volunteers coming together to clean up the local environment and help to preserve Kent's superb coastal regions.
The Kent Wildlife Trust is the leading wildlife conservation charity for Kent and Medway with over 58 managed nature reserves through the county. The Trust was formed in 1958 and since that time has worked tirelessly to make Kent a better place for both wildlife and people. For more information on future volunteer opportunities at the Kent Wildlife Trusts nature reserves, please visit the Kent Wildlife Trusts website or call 01622 602012.
Etchinghill residents make a clean sweep of it!
26th March 2007
12 community-minded members of the Etchinghill Residents Association joined forces with the Clean Kent Campaign in the battle against litter by organising a community clean-up last Saturday. Collecting 16 bags of rubbish, the plucky volunteers successfully cleared away debris such as food waste, hub-caps and plastic sheeting from their village; and as a final tidy flourish, they even washed the road signs! Shepway District Council was also on hand to collect the rubbish.
Organised by Rodney and Jane Watts in association with Clean Kent, events such as the clean-up are integral to the work of the Etchinghill Residents Association. Jane Wood explains:
Etchinghill is a beautiful and unique community which the Residents Association work hard to protect. The recent litter pick is a good example of how we aim to improve the village facilities, to protect the environment, and to make Etchinghill a pleasant place to live. This has been both a splendid social occasion and a good chance for everyone to come together to keep our village looking lovely.
Keith Ferrin, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste comments further:
I'm always encouraged to see members of a community taking positive action against litter by carrying out clean-ups. It demonstrates a level of civic pride amongst residents which is always good to see.
As the clean-up proved a popular and surprisingly social occasion, the Residents Association is hoping to make this an annual event.
Clean Kent Campaign set to change views
22nd February 2007
The Clean Kent Campaign is set to launch its latest high profile marketing campaign, Changing Views focusing on the successes and positive impacts of the initiative. Breaking on Meridian Kent over the week commencing 19th February, a television commercial will open the campaign supported by a combination of advertising including press, radio and outdoor.
Shot in reverse, the creative concept behind the television commercial is based on the premise of turning around
accepted roles and challenging perceptions. A remake of the Oh What a Lovely War
classic, Goodbyee,
is the quirky soundtrack to both the TV and radio ads. With its repetitions of the word goodbye the music
underpins the key campaign message that Kent is saying goodbye to graffiti, flytipping and littering.
Clean Kent Co-ordinator, Melanie Price says:
The aim of this campaign is not only to deliver memorable advertising but also to show that in the broad sense, positive change is at the heart of the work behind Clean Kent. The upbeat nature of the campaign also helps to celebrate the great work that the Clean Kent Campaign has accomplished so far.
She adds:
Although we've come along way, we recognise that there is still ground to cover and hope that with continued co-operation from partner organisations and the public, we can successfully achieve our main objectives of making Kent a cleaner and safer place to live and work.
