St George's fly the flag for Clean Kent!

8th March 2010

The pupils and teachers of St George's Church of England Primary School at Wrotham are celebrating, having been presented with the Clean Kent Schools Red Flag award. This top accolade is St George's latest 'green' achievement and demonstrates their commitment to a clean and safe environment.

Clean Kent Schools launched in 2007 by Kent County Council, supports the Kent Eco-School programme, to recognise and reward schools actively making a difference to the quality and cleanliness of their school estate and local community. Schools participating in the scheme can be accredited as a Bronze, Silver or Red Flag establishment.

To achieve their red flag, all the classes at St George's rolled up their sleeves and cleared up their school grounds finding a scooter and several car parts along the way! In addition, they have been sharing their ideas and experiences with another local primary school set to follow in their footsteps.

St George's School Head Teacher Mr David Jones comments:

We are proud to have been awarded the Clean Kent Schools Red Flag which recognises the hard work made by our pupils in keeping the school and local area litter free. It's lovely to be able to celebrate this achievement and feel proud that we are all making a difference.

The presentation by Clean Kent took part at the school on Monday 8th March.

Pupils from St George's Church of England Primary School at Wrotham with their flag

Man arrested for flytipping.

10th February 2010

A man has been arrested in Essex today for multiple flytipping offences across Romney Marsh.

The arrest follows an investigation by Shepway District Council and supported by Clean Kent officers at Kent County Council. The man, from Chelmsford, Essex is believed to have flytipped approximately 500 car tyres at five locations on the Marsh in October 2009, according to intelligence supplied by the Kent Police Shepway West Neighbourhood team.

As part of the investigation, the suspect was taken to South Woodham Ferrers Police Station and questioned by Shepway and KCC enforcement officers. As a result of the interview, he has been reported for summons for five offences under Section 33 of the Environmental protection Act 1990.

The county and district councils supported by the Police and other agencies, work closely to tackle environmental crime of this nature, through the Clean Kent Campaign partnership. Enforcement tactics and other initiatives have resulted in a 61% reduction in flytipping incidences since 2004/05 - one of the key targets of the Clean Kent campaign.

Cllr Hugh Barker, Shepway's Cabinet Member for Planning and Community Safety, said:

One of the council's key objectives is to improve the appearance of the district. This involves everything from making sure our streets are clean to taking actions against flytipping, which creates a blot on Shepway's beautiful landscape. This arrest shows that we are prepared to follow through these actions and will serve as a warning to others that blighting our landscape will not be tolerated.

Nick Chard, Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste said:

We are pleased to be working with local councils to support investigations and prosecutions against those who blight our landscape in Kent by dumping their rubbish. Flytipping is an anti-social act and a criminal offence and we will not tolerate it.

A clean sweep for Aldington pupils!

8th February 2010

A celebration is taking place at Aldington Primary School near Ashford, with pupils and teachers being awarded a top accolade! The school have achieved red flag status from the Clean Kent Schools accreditation scheme and are the 7th school in the county to do so.

Clean Kent Schools was launched in 2007 aligned to Kent Eco-Schools, to recognise and reward those that show commitment to the cleanliness of their estate and local area. Primary schools participating can achieve bronze, silver and red flag levels of achievement.

The children of Aldington School have been regularly litter picking their school grounds, and with support from the local KCC Community Warden, undertook a clean up around their village green. The pupils are also spreading the word by sharing their good work and knowledge with another local primary school, helping them to be clean, green and safe!

Pupils at Aldington Primary School near Ashford

Nick Chard, Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste said:

Aldington Primary School is one of nearly 200 schools working to gain a Clean Kent Schools accreditation. I am particularly impressed that the children are not only keeping their school grounds clean and tidy, but also their village for the benefit of others.

Sandra MacCourt, Head teacher at Aldington Primary said,

I am very proud of the achievements of the pupils at the school. They set themselves clear goals and work purposefully towards achieving them. The school has already attained Eco-school Green Flag, runs a Walking Bus and is actively participating in the Bike-It scheme. The Clean Kent School Red Flag award takes us a step further towards becoming a sustainable school and has helped to raise children's awareness of how they can contribute, as good citizens, to enhancing their local environment.

Man arrested for flytipping

21st January 2010

Following a joint investigation between Clean Kent and Kent Police into multiple flytipping offences in North Kent, the police yesterday arrested a man aged 27 from Charlton, South London. He is believed to have deposited large quantities of building materials during November - December 2009 in the rural areas around Cobham and Luddesdown, which are designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

As part of the investigation, the suspect was taken to North Kent Police Station and questioned by enforcement officers from the Kent County Council Clean Kent enforcement team. He was subsequently released having been reported for summons.

Nick Chard, Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste said:

Flytipping is an anti-social act and a criminal offence. The deliberate abuse of our environment and countryside is something that will not be tolerated in Kent. I am pleased that offences like this one are being investigated and pursued through legal means.

Gravesham Borough Council Cabinet member for clean, green and safety issues Cllr John Cubitt said:

We have to continue to send the message that the council and its partners will not tolerate dumping of waste and rubbish and we will all work together to get just results.

Kent County Council's enforcement team, work on behalf of the district and borough councils, supported by the Police and other agencies to tackle environmental crime. This work and other initiatives have resulted in a 61% reduction in flytipping incidences since 2004 - one of the key targets of the Clean Kent campaign.

Green students win top awards

14th January 2010

An eco-friendly school is having a double celebration after being awarded two top green awards.

Christ Church in Folkestone has been handed an Eco-Schools Green Flag, which is the highest accolade achievable under the international Eco-Schools programme. The flag shows that the whole school is committed to improving its environment. Only 47 schools in Kent currently have a Green Eco-Schools Flag.

Part of the school's green efforts include a group of year 3 to year 6 pupils forming an eco committee - called Planet Pirates Team - which meets regularly to discuss environmental issues around the school.

The school has also been awarded a Red Flag as part of the Clean Kent Schools programme. Clean Kent Schools launched in 2007 and work closely with Kent Eco-Schools to recognize and reward schools who show commitment to the environment.

As the criteria to achieve a Red Flag is integrated into the Eco-Schools project, Christ Church school was able to work on both at the same time. Amongst other things the school needed to demonstrate its commitment to keeping both school grounds and wider community litter free. The pupils carried out a survey questioning local residents and businesses about their views on litter. The pupils then used this information to organise a clean up in the local community.

John Davies, chairman of Kent County Council presented the school with the Green Flag award. He said:

The children at Christ Church are taking the environment seriously. They are doing a number of things to make the school greener. As part of their efforts, they like to encourage wild life into their school grounds by having a wild area, bird boxes and a pond. They are also planning on having allotments. This is excellent news and I hope more schools get involved in the programme.

The school first registered as an Eco-School in May 2003 and gained their Bronze Certificate Award in November 2005 and their Silver Certificate Award in May 2008.

Headteacher Jim Kreiselmeier said:

We believe that monitoring and reducing the amount of energy we use and making efficient use of our site is the best means to plan for a sustainable future. By being an Eco-School we are encouraging all members of our community to be aware and responsible for the environment in which they live and work to safeguard it for future generations.

Kent County Council cleans up at the CIPR Awards!

29th October 2009

Kent County Council has scooped an impressive FOUR awards for the Clean Kent Campaign at this year's CIPR PRide Awards for the Home Counties South region.

The annual awards, organised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, was held in Brighton on 27th October at the Brighton Hilton Metropole. Clean Kent, a multi-agency initiative that tackles the issues of littering and flytipping and environmental anti-social behaviour received the following accolades:

Gold Award for the campaign "Fight Flytipping" in the Community Relations category
Gold Award for the web site www.cleankent.com in the Best Website or Microsite category
Silver Award for the campaign "Fight Flytipping" in the Not for Profit category
Silver Award for the campaign "Fight Flytipping" in the Integrated Communications category
And Finalist award for the "Animation Awards" in the Best Campaign £10K and under category.

All the winning campaigns were highly commended by the judges. Fight Flytipping, a project targeting environmental crime, was praised because it "engaged with local people and the resulting decrease in the incidence of flytipping (down year on year by 36%) is testimony to the effectiveness of this well thought, thorough and impactful campaign."

The judges were also very impressed with the Clean Kent website, commenting that it is "an informative and comprehensive website which tackles the issue of flytipping and litter."

On winning the awards, Clean Kent Co-ordinator Melanie Price said:

We are thrilled that the projects have been acknowledged and won CIPR PRide awards! It is a fantastic achievement for our work to have been judged among the best in the UK.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste and Highways Nick Chard added:

For our initiatives to be shortlisted was an honour, but to win two golds and two silvers is testament to the hard work, dedication and creativity that all the partners have contributed to Clean Kent.

Kent County Council unveils latest tool in fight against fly tippers.

24th September 2009

Kent County Council is set to become the first county council in the UK to use SmartWater, an innovative crime reduction strategy which will help in the fight against fly tipping. SmartWater incorporates state of the art forensic technology which will be used strategically as part of a proactive drive by Clean Kent to try and eliminate this type of environmental crime by bringing those responsible to justice.

SmartWater launch 2

The Clean Kent Campaign, co-ordinated by Kent County Council is introducing SmartWater to householders in trial locations in Kent from the end of September. The aim of the project is to further protect householders against rogue traders and to discourage fly tipping by sending a serious warning to potential and existing flytippers.

SmartWater is being used proactively to forensically link fly tipped waste with the person responsible for its disposal. Each batch of SmartWater is forensically unique and provides an invisible and permanent trace to the waste. This will allow enforcement officers both at Kent County Council and Districts to irrefutably identify the trader responsible for its removal, helping to support criminal investigations which could lead to prosecution.

The traceability of SmartWater will allow Clean Kent to not only target those "professionally" engaged with this type of environmental crime, it will also provide an opportunity to recover assets from offenders under the Proceeds of Crime Act. This can include financial or physical assets, such as vehicles, the proceeds of which will be reinvested into the initiative - so the only person out of pocket is the criminal.

SmartWater launch 1

Research undertaken by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service has proved that SmartWater"s forensic signatures can withstand extensive periods of burning, ensuring that fly-tippers will be unable to cover their tracks through setting fire to the fly-tipped waste.

If looking to dispose of waste, householders should follow the "Duty of Care" legislation using Clean Kent"s simple steps to check that the trades people they employ are licensed waste carriers. With the help of SmartWater, Clean Kent will be able to trace fly tipped waste to the 'waste carrier" responsible to a crime scene; providing an even stronger deterrent against the unscrupulous act of fly tipping and further help protect residents from rogue traders.

David Brazier, Lead Member for Environment, Highways and Waste said:

Clean Kent has already achieved a reduction of fly tipping by over 61% and is proud to be the first to offer this service to our residents. We hope that these additional tools will reassure householders and further add strength to the campaign to fight fly tipping and to keep our county clean and beautiful.

SmartWater Chief Executive Phil Cleary, said:

The use of SmartWater will help to reinforce the message to criminals that Kent is now a no-go zone for flytippers. Through SmartWater, Clean Kent will have the technology to pursue convictions and will actively do so. SmartWater maintains a 100% conviction rate when used as evidence in court, which will send a very strong message to anyone considering flytipping.

Clean Kent unveiled SmartWater and demonstrated the process of deploying the solution and how it is detected to the media, partners and other local authorities on Wednesday 23rd September at Maidstone Studios in Kent. The event was hosted by Nicky Campbell - BBC Breakfast Presenter for Radio 5.

SmartWater launch 3

Fly tipping is a serious criminal activity and offenders can face prison sentences of up to five years or a maximum fine of £50,000. Since March 2008, Clean Kent has achieved notable convictions against rogue traders, with the number of fly tipping incidents dropping by 61.5% across Kent in the last five years.

Clean Kent partners up with Kent Fire and Rescue to crack down on wheelie bin fires.

25th August 2009

A fire in a wheeled bin might seem like harmless fun if you are a teenager, but it is a serious crime that can have disastrous consequences. Clean Kent's latest campaign, "Fire's Not Funny", led by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) sets out to highlight the dangers of contained wheelie bin and loose rubbish fires to young people in the key areas where recent KFRS data indicates a raised level of rubbish fires.

The campaign aims to engage with young people in local communities and hopes to raise awareness of the dangers and damage caused by commercial wheeled bin fires and loose rubbish fires. KFRS staff have been and will be positioned in various locations in Thanet, Swale, Gravesham, Dartford and Ashford.

Young adults will be given scratch cards by KFRS staff directing them to the Clean Kent website where they will be asked to watch a short informative film on the dangers of wheelie bin fires. They will then need to answer a few questions to be entered into a prize draw to win an Xbox or ITunes and GAME vouchers. The activities will also be supported by a radio campaign that will run across Kent.

Fires Not Funny Scratch Card

Stuart Skilton, Kent Fire and Rescue Service comments,

From our work with Clean Kent, we identified wheeled bin fires as a real and dangerous issue in the county and specifically in these areas.

Deliberately started fires of this nature not only put the lives of the general public and firefighters at risk but also have devastating consequences on businesses as well. As part of Clean Kent's ongoing commitment to reduce rubbish fires, we have seen a countywide reduction in these crimes by 40 per cent* but need now to bring this particular issue to the public's attention.

Clean Kent's Coordinator, Melanie Price adds:

The campaign will aim to influence a change in attitudes and behaviours in young adults and prevent and deter, deliberate fire setting amongst young people. Wheeled bin fires and rubbish fires all relate back to the issue of anti-social behaviour. Clean Kent and our partners are all dedicated to eradicating these behaviours in order to make our county a clean and safe one.

*Source: Kent Agreement 1, Outcome 14 Final Data, Kent County Council and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Clean Kent catches Gravesend flytippers.

18th August 2009

The Clean Kent enforcement team at Kent County Council has successfully caught two flytippers operating in Gravesend.

William Ball and Leonard Howard, of Halstow Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne both builders by trade, were found guilty of dumping refuse consisting of approximately 20 clear plastic sacks and carpet in Dering Way, Gravesend on 15th May 2009.

Pleading guilty at Dartford Magistrates Court on the 14th August 2009, Mr Ball and Mr Howard each received a £300 fine, £700 contribution towards cost and £15 victim surcharge. During interview they admitted that they knew flytipping to be an illegal activity and an environmental crime.

Commenting on behalf of Kent County Council, Nick Chard Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste added:

Environmental crimes of this nature are not just a blight on our landscape but are also costing us dear in monetary terms: annually the UK spends over £1.5bn dealing with flytipping. Kent County Council and the Clean Kent Campaign are committed to bringing flytippers to justice so that our residents can enjoy a safe and beautiful county.

Councillor John Cubitt, Gravesham Borough Council's Cabinet member for environmental issues said:

The message is clear, flytippers should be aware that local authorities are working closely with partners and will prosecute offenders responsible for this anti-social and illegal activity.

School's delight at Red Flag.

13th July 2009

The pupils and teachers of Birchington Church of England Primary School are celebrating after being awarded a Red Flag as part of the Clean Kent Schools project. Clean Kent Schools launched in 2007 and work closely with Kent Eco-Schools to recognize and reward schools who show commitment to the environment. Schools on the scheme can be accredited as a Bronze, Silver or Red Flag establishment.

To achieve the Red Flag, the children of Birchington CEP School - with support from the local community warden and PCSO - completed regular litter picks in the school grounds as well as several community clean ups at Minnis Bay and the local library gardens. In addition, Birchington's pupils are sharing their good work and knowledge with a local secondary school to improve the local environment, making it cleaner and safer.

Birchington School has participated in the project for some time having already won the Clean Kent Silver Award, further supporting their green credentials. Sarah Hart, Eco Team Leader comments:

We are proud to have been awarded the Clean Kent Schools Red Flag which recognises the hard work and commitment made by our pupils in keeping the school and local area litter free. It's lovely to be able to celebrate this achievement.

The presentation by Clean Kent took part at the school on Friday 10th July. Melanie Price, Clean Kent Co-ordinator said:

Birchington is one of almost 200 schools participating in the Clean Kent schools accreditation scheme and the 5th to receive the highest accolade of a Red Flag. It's vital that young people take ownership of the quality of their surroundings and help keep Kent a clean and beautiful county.

For more details on how to register and join this ongoing scheme, click here.

Pupils at Birchington Church of England Primary School celebrate with their Red Flag

Clean Kent teams up with local residents to keep Kent clean, safe and beautiful.

26th June 2009

This week sees the launch of the Clean Kent Watch, a volunteering project lead as part of the Clean Kent Campaign. Designed to help prevent and deter environmental crime, the Clean Kent Watch will engage with local people in local communities and help provide information on incidences of environmental crime. The initiative is officially launched this Thursday, 18 June 2009 by Kent County Council, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Neighbourhood Watch Kent and Kent Police.

Clean Kent Watch
Clean Kent teams up with local residents to keep Kent clean, safe and beautiful.

Clean Kent Watch aims to establish a network of neighbourhood volunteers to provide grass roots information on flytipping, abandoned vehicles and rubbish fires. Volunteers will be encouraged to "keep an eye open" in their communities reporting to KCC's Contact Centre which operates 24 hours a day.

The Clean Kent Watch is just one of the activities run by the Clean Kent Campaign, a partnership programme that is leading the way in working to keep Kent clean, safe and beautiful.

Melanie Price, Clean Kent Co-ordinator comments:

Public reporting plays a valuable role in the work of Clean Kent and has helped us secure many successful fly tipping prosecutions. Vandalism, litter, abandoned cars and anti-social behaviour affect everyone's quality of life - but when residents work together with agencies we see real results. By supporting the Clean Kent Watch we hope that all volunteers, be they individuals or communities, can help to make their neighborhoods' cleaner and safer.

David Alford, County Secretary of Neighbourhood Watch Kent adds:

Neighbourhood Watch Kent is delighted to be involved in assisting with the delivery of this project. The support of local people is key to the success of the Clean Kent Watch. Whether you've spotted someone dumping a fridge or spraying graffiti, by calling the Watch hotline you can help tackle environmental crime and anti-social behaviour and make a real difference to where you live.

Stuart Skilton, Group Manager Community Safety at Kent Fire and Rescue Service said:

Reporting of information to help prevent rubbish fires from occurring is vital to reducing the fire risk within the community. Our aim is to prevent such fires occurring in the first place. Rubbish fires can also put people in significant danger as well as firefighters that have to tackle these consequences. Unfortunately it is all too easy for a fire to spread out of control resulting in damage to buildings and threatening lives. Recently a deliberately set bin fire led to the death of a resident. We need your help to report any rubbish accumulations, fly tipping or abandoned cars so the risk can be removed before it is too late.

Kent residents can find out more by visiting www.cleankent.com or by calling 0845 345 0210.

Animation awards winners spread the message of a Cleaner Kent

20th May 2009

Students of Kingsmead Primary School were overjoyed to be presented 1st place in KentTV.com's "Animate and Create" Film Awards at Canterbury Christ Church University today.

Dan Richards from animation company Animate and Create and the creator of animated film Windmill Boy, launched the animation competition in January 2009 aimed at primary schools in association with Clean Kent, KentTV.com and KCC Extended Schools Service.

The competition challenged pupils to create a short piece of animation around the theme 'Cleaner, Greener, Safer' for the Clean Kent Campaign. Entries were uploaded and shown on KentTV.com's animation channel.

The winning animation, titled "Keep Kent's Water Clean!" was submitted by the Zebra Class at Kingsmead Primary School. The class received certificates and were presented with an animation kit for their school. Churchill Primary School were awarded 2nd place for their animation - "Keep our River Clean" and presented with DVDs signed by signed by the Director of Shaun the Sheep, Richard 'Golly' Goleszowski.

All schools involved were invited to the special presentation at Canterbury Christ Church University to be awarded their certificates and prizes. There were 23 entries submitted by 11 different schools and the schools and awards that they won are as follows:

Kingsmead Primary School (Canterbury) - First Place
Churchill Primary School (Westerham) - Second Place
Chevening CEP School (Sevenoaks) - Highly Commended
Chiddingstone CofE Primary (Edenbridge) - Highly Commended
East Borough Primary School (Maidstone) - Highly Commended
Frittenden Primary School (Cranbrook) - Highly Commended
Madginford Park Junior School (Maidstone) - Highly Commended
Blean Primary School (Canterbury) - Merit
Kingswood Primary School ( Maidstone) - Merit
Sevenoaks Summer School (Sevenoaks) - Merit
St Stephen's Infants School (Canterbury) - Merit

Dan Richards from Animate and Create commented,

It's very encouraging to see the high standard of the animations that were submitted. I like to show that animation is not as hard and unattainable as it is seen to be and these young people have worked hard and achieved fantastic results.

KentTV.com's Editor, John McGhie said,

It was brilliant to see such a high standard of entries. We clearly have a lot of budding young filmmakers in our classrooms and this competition gave them the chance to show off their work.

Melanie Price, Clean Kent Co-ordinator commented at the awards,

It's great to see the children spreading the message of a cleaner, greener, safer Kent. Their efforts reinforce the Clean Kent Campaign objectives of making Kent a cleaner county that we can all enjoy and be proud of.

Clean Kent is dedicated to stamping out flytipping and is working with its enforcement team and partners to identify, prosecute and convict those responsible and to help create a cleaner, safer and greener Kent. Since the start of the campaign in 2004, Clean Kent has worked with all 12 district councils in Kent to prosecute and successfully convict flytippers right across the county.

To see all of the entries please click here.

Clean Kent teams up with Crimestoppers to crack down on Flytippers

12th May 2009

In the fight against flytipping in Kent, the Clean Kent Campaign has joined forces with the national crime fighting charity Crimestoppers.

Anyone with information about flytipping or those involved can telephone anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers will be safe in the knowledge that their privacy is assured and that calls will not be recorded. Information received is then passed onto the Police and the Clean Kent Enforcement Team for investigation.

Flytipping is unsightly and illegal and can lead to increases in other more serious criminal offences. Flytipping is serious criminal activity and offenders can face prison sentences of up to five years or a maximum fine of £50,000.

Steve Mellers, County Manager of Kent Crimestoppers said,

We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Clean Kent Campaign. Kent Crimestoppers are committed to working with our partners in Kent to tackle and eradicate this serious environmental crime.

Mike Austerberry, Executive Director, Environment, Highways & Waste said,

Flytipping is a damaging and illegal activity and through the Clean Kent Campaign, local authorities will not hesitate to bring offenders to justice, seeking criminal convictions and financial redress. Kent as a county is to be valued and protected from those engaging in this crime.

If you have any information about those who commit fly tipping offences, please help Clean Kent catch and prosecute them by calling 0845 345 0210, visit www. cleankent.com or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Clean Kent successfully convicts serial fly tipper.

16th April 2009

Following an investigation by Kent County Council, the Crown Prosecution Service successfully gained a conviction yesterday at Maidstone Magistrate's Court against serial fly tipper, Nigel John Nash, age 32, of Reginald Road, Maidstone, for fly tipping commercial and domestic waste on the public highway at Farleigh Lane and again at Burial Ground Lane, Maidstone.

The defendant was tried for two offences of fly tipping and two of fraud. He pleaded guilty to dumping two tonnes of waste on two dates in August 2008. Mr Nash was found guilty and received the following sentence:

120 day imprisonment - suspended for 24 months
150 hours of community unpaid work, which was the maximum that the bench could impose due to his previous convictions
An electronic curfew for 6 months
Issued with an Anti Social Behaviour Order relating to the illegal movement and deposit of controlled waste. The order is for an indefinite period.

Mr Nash was also ordered to pay £340 compensation to Kent County Council for clean up costs and was ordered to pay £350 towards the prosecution costs.

Nash was arrested on 19th November along with his partner, Emma Dunn age 33, following a joint agency operation between Kent County Council's Clean Kent team and Kent Police. Emma Dunn has received a formal caution from Kent Police for her part in the offences. The four month long investigation uncovered a series of illegal dumping incidents involving Nash's self-employed waste removal business, including two in which rubbish had been deposited on the public highway, causing an obstruction.

Nash approached householders and builders offering to remove waste. He charged for the service and later dumped the waste illegally. On one occasion he dumped waste at the entrance to Tovil Household Waste Recycling Centre and a householder was later able to identify this as her rubbish which she had paid to have removed by Mr Nash. Leaflets distributed by Nash claimed he was registered with the Environment Agency and, therefore, held a waste carriers license, so customers thought they were disposing of their waste correctly. To check to see whether a waste carrier is really licensed with the Environment Agency visit cleankent.com.

The prosecution of Mr. Nash is part of an ongoing campaign that has reduced fly tipping in Kent by more than 35% since 2003/4.

Mike Austerberry, Executive Director of Environment, Highways and Waste at Kent County Council, comments:

A reduction in fly tipping is one of our key objectives, together with tackling litter, rubbish and abandoned vehicles helping to create cleaner, greener and safer communities in Kent.

Vivienne Pearson, Crown Prosecution Service's Anti-Social Behaviour Specialist Lawyer for the South East, says:

Today's verdict and the sentence imposed is a victory in the fight against fly tipping. This is the second time we have successfully prosecuted Mr Nash and the second time that we have obtained an Anti-Social Behaviour Order. This sends a clear message to persistent offenders that the Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work in partnership with Clean Kent and Kent Police to pursue and prosecute fly tippers in Kent.

Superintendent Neil Jerome of Kent Police says:

Flytipping is anti-social and the Police are committed to ensure that this criminal act is dealt with robustly. This case is an excellent example of how the Police working with their partners can prevent and detect environmental crime. In this case, I am pleased that the court has recognised the detrimental effect flytipping has on the quality of life of our community and has chosen to take a hard line and hand out a substantial fine to Mr. Nash.

Clean Kent rules against rogue traders.

24th March 2009

The Clean Kent Campaign is continuing its commitment to reduce flytipping and protect householders from rogue traders by equipping residents with vital tools.

Kent County Council's Trading Standards and Waste Management teams have joined forces to offer advice and guidance to householders, through a series of events hosted by B&Q. The aim is to provide residents with '3 easy steps' to protect themselves from unsrupulous traders, who flytip materials rather than pay for the safe disposal of waste.

Legislation called the 'Duty of Care for Householders' works to protect residents. The public can take simple steps to check that the tradespeople they employ are licensed appropriately to carry waste. Without these checks, if any of your rubbish is removed and ends up being flytipped, you could be held responsible and fined as well as the flytipper. These simple steps are:

Always ask for a waste carrier licence number.
Check the license number by visiting Clean Kent www.cleankent.com or call the Environment Agency on 0870 850 6506.
If a tradesperson is not registered, don't use them and inform Clean Kent immediately on 0845 345 0210.

Melanie Price, KCC's Clean Kent Co-ordinator explains:
Everyone in the waste chain has a responsibility - or a duty of care - to make sure that waste is disposed of properly. Householders can play a vital part in cracking down on illegal waste activity in Kent by only using registered waste carriers and waste sites.

A further gurantee can be found with the Buy With Confidence Scheme. This is run by Trading Standards and ensures that all traders who are members have been vetted and approved for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws.

Sharon Salisbury from KCC Trading Standards said:
With residents making these checks on waste removal services or tradespeople such as builders, plumbers or gardeners to ensure they are licenced, they are really helping to push rogue traders out of the market. We aim to protect consumers and support businesses to operate on a level playing field.

Events are being held at the following B&Q stores:
- Maidstone - 24th March
- Dartford - 25th March
- Tonbridge - 26th March
- Ashford - 31st March
- Canterbury - 1st April
- Margate - 3rd April
Residents can dispose of their own waste at their local Household Waste Recycling Centre or follow the steps above to find a licensed trader. Clean Kent supports traders who take their environmental responsibilities seriously; the Duty of Care legislation is designed to target the minority who are disposing of waste illegally.

Clean Kent is committed to stamping out flytipping and is working with its partners to identify, prosecute and convict those responsible and to help create a cleaner, safer and greener Kent. Since the start of the campaign in 2004, Clean Kent has worked with all 12 district councils in Kent to prosecute and successfully convict flytippers right across the county.

Flytipping is a serious criminal activity and offenders can face prison sentences of up to five years or a maximum fine of £50,000.

For more information about the Duty of Care legislation or to find out how to register if you are a trader log onto www.cleankent.com or call the Environment Agency on 0870 850 6506.

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Clean Kent Convicts Gravesend Landlord for Fly Tipping

17th February 2009

Kent County Council and Gravesham Borough Council have successfully gained a conviction in Dartford Magistrates' Court against Mr Gurpreet Bassi of Mermaid Close, Gravesend, for flytipping in Hall Road, Gravesend. Mr Bassi, a mechanic and landlord in the rental sector, was found guilty of the offence of fly tipping and was ordered to pay over £5,000 in fines and clean up costs.

Evidence was secured by the Clean Kent enforcement team of flytipping in the lay-by off Hall Road. The illegally dumped items consisted of household waste: a toilet, bookcase, fridge, freezer, wardrobe doors and black sacks.

The evidence led officers to a house in Stanhope Road, Swanscombe and Mr Bassi was identified as the landlord of the property and the owner of the illegally dumped waste.

When questioned, Mr Bassi confessed to the fly tipping offence and, during interview admitted that he had borrowed a van, loaded it up and drove to Hall Road with the sole intention of illegally fly tipping the contents - unwanted property left by a previous tenant.

Prosecuting solicitor Katharine Holt said, "The court has taken a dim view of the behaviour of Mr Bassi," and the pointed to the comments of the Chairman of the Bench who said:
This is a very, very serious offence indeed. By leaving a fridge and freezer there was a real danger that a child could climb inside, become trapped and die as a result.

The Chairman added that he intended to send the clear message that:
People cannot do this sort of thing and expect the court to take a lenient view. The fine reflects the great seriousness of this offence.

Councillor John Cubitt, Gravesham Borough Council's Cabinet member for environmental issues added:
The message is clear, flytippers should be aware that we are working closely with our partners and we will prosecute offenders responsible for this anti- social and illegal activity.

Commenting on behalf of Kent County Council, Dr Linda Davies, Director of Kent County Council's Environment and Waste division said:
Environmental crime such as fly tipping costs the UK more than £1.5bn per year and causes a serious public nuisance. It is a crime committed towards the community as a whole and research shows that littering and fly tipping are two of residents' greatest concerns.

She adds:
We are pleased to gain a conviction against Mr Bassi, who now realises the costly and antisocial nature of his crime.

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Northdown Primary School celebrates the presentation of their Green Eco-Schools Flag and Red Clean Kent Schools Flag

20th January 2009

In recognition of being awarded the Green Eco-Schools Flag and Red Clean Kent Schools Flag, Northdown Primary School in Margate held an awards presentation on 15th January 2009.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag is the highest award achievable under the international Eco-Schools programme. It demonstrates the school's commitment to improving its environment. Thirty five Kent schools currently have a Green Eco-Schools Flag. Northdown was also presented with their Red Clean Kent Schools Flag, only the fourth school in Kent to achieve this top award in the new accreditation scheme.

The presentation included a tour of the school by the Eco-Wombles, a group of pupils responsible for the environmental action. An assembly was then led by the Eco-Wombles outlining the projects they have adopted which have helped reduce energy use and increase recycling throughout the school.

The school gained their red Clean Kent Flag by carrying out litter audits of the school site and with the support of their KCC Community Warden undertook community clean-ups to help keep not only the school grounds but also their local area litter free.

Northdown Primary School has worked hard to reduce the waste created and recycles paper, card, plastic, mobile phones and ink cartridges. They also compost fruit and vegetable waste. The school have set up an allotment with support from the Extended Schools Development Manager and have installed water butts to help the school collect water to water the plants. A separate wildlife area has been established for a number of years.

Mrs Blackburn (Acting Head Teacher) and Mrs. Lambert (Eco-Schools Co-ordinator) said,
Pupils are taking more notice of their environment and feel empowered through their actions to make positive changes.

The Eco-Schools programme has formed the basis of assemblies and lessons helping inform pupils of the importance of sustainability; gaining the Eco-Schools Green Flag and the Red Clean Kent Flag are tangible rewards for the schools hard work.

Melanie Price, Clean Kent Co-ordinator at Kent County Council comments,
We were delighted to see Northdown School awarded with the red Clean Kent Schools Flag. The flag is a result of the children and staff's dedicated hard work to ensure that their school is litter free and waste is kept to a minimum.

Their efforts reinforce the Clean Kent Campaign objectives of making Kent a cleaner county that we can all enjoy and be proud of.

Awards presented to the school on 15th January 2008

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Clean Kent Tips Scales of Justice Against Illegal Dumpers

22nd December 2008

The Clean Kent Campaign has successfully prosecuted another fly tipper. Christopher Paul WARD aged 52 of York Road, Gravesend has been found guilty at Maidstone Crown Court of illegally dumping approximately three tonnes of wood and builders' rubble, blocking an access road behind York Road, Gravesend.

The prosecution became possible when documents found in the flytipping gave details of a company from which Ward had cleared the rubbish. The company subsequently named the defendant responsible. Ward was interviewed by Kent County Council enforcement officers and admitted collecting and illegally disposing of the waste.

The Judge took an extremely dim view of Mr Ward's election for Crown Court when having done so Mr. Ward then pleaded guilty to the charge. The Judge made comment that a guilty plea could have been entered at the Magistrates' Court, saving both time and the taxpayer a significant sum of money. Ward was given a two-year conditional discharge for the offence, which means that if he commits a further offence within the 2 years, the court can sentence him again for this offence as well as the new one, so it is a real deterrent. He was also ordered to pay £660 towards the clean-up and court costs.

Commenting on behalf of Kent County Council, Mike Austerberry, Executive Director of Environment, Highways & Waste said:
Flytipping is a damaging and illegal activity. The Clean Kent Campaign, working in partnership with districts and other agencies will not hesitate to bring 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.

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.

Businesses have a duty to care - to dispose of commercial waste using contractors please ensure that they are registered waste carriers. You can check this out by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or log onto http://www2.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr/search.asp and select 'waste carriers' public register.

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Landscaper convicted of flytipping

12th December 2008

A 35 year old man has recently (4th December) been convicted of flytipping and polluting the environment at Dartford Magistrates Court.

Joseph Scarrott of 3 White Post Farm, White Post Lane, Sole Street, Cobham was caught following a joint agency operation involving Kent County Council's Clean Kent enforcement team and North Kent Police who identified and arrested Mr. Scarrott. Pleading guilty to the offences, Mr Scarrott was fined £1,250 for each offence, together with a full order for costs, plus the victim surcharge levy of £15. The total costs payable amount to £4,196.44.

Mr Scarrott committed the flytipping offences by dumping builder's rubble at Springhead Road, Pepperhill, Gravesend on 4th September 2008. As a self-employed landscaper working for Kent Paving, Mr Scarrott had obligations to safely and legally disposal of trade waste, but in spite of this he did not possess a valid Waste Carrier Licence or Environmental Permit. His illegal activities were caught on CCTV camera, which helped to secure his conviction.

Chief Inspector Philip Painter said:
Flytipping is an anti-social behaviour and the Police are committed to ensure that this criminal act is dealt with robustly. This case is an excellent example of how the Police working with their partners can prevent and detect environmental crime. In this case, I am pleased that the court has recognised the detrimental effect flytipping has on the quality of life of our community and has chosen to take a hard line and hand out a substantial fine to Mr Scarrott.

Commenting on behalf of Kent County Council, Keith Ferrin, Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste said:
There is no excuse for flytipping. Kent County Council has provided excellent facilities to cater for business and trade waste, and moreover has recently opened a large household and trade waste recycling centre within one mile of this offence. The Clean Kent Campaign partnership will not hesitate to bring fly tippers to justice, seeking to deter and convict those that flout the law.

Councillor John Cubitt, Gravesham Borough Council's Cabinet member for environmental issues added:
The message is clear, flytippers should be aware that we have the ways and the means to catch you, and partnership working with the key agencies is an effective way to achieve this.

Recognising that flytipping along with litter, rubbish and abandoned vehicles are seen as key manifestations of anti-social behaviour and crime; Clean Kent set up a dedicated enforcement unit designed 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.

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Valley of Visions flytipper caught by Clean Kent

18th November 2008

A fly tipper caught on CCTV dumping his waste in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Kent has been prosecuted.

Self-employed plumber Tony Mansford, 40, from Brambletree Crescent in Rochester, pleaded guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates Court to fly tipping two freezers on Hill Road, Wouldham in March earlier this year. As a result Mr Mansford received a £250 fine and ordered to pay £365.36 prosecution costs, a £15 victim surcharge and £200 clean-up costs to KCC.

Mr Mansford was unaware that his movements were being recorded by CCTV cameras overlooking the bridle path as he dumped the freezers. Officers from Clean Kent were able to identify him from footage gathered.

Mick Ives, Kent County Council's Clean Kent Enforcement Manager said:
Clean Kent is proactive in investigating and securing convictions against the flytippers who blight our countryside. This conviction sends out a strong message that criminal behaviour of this nature is viewed seriously by the courts and will not be tolerated. We aim to stop illegal and anti-social acts of this nature in order to make our County a cleaner and safer place tolive.

Phil Beddoes, Head of Waste and Streetscene Services for Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, added:
People who dump rubbish are not just breaking the law and damaging our beautiful countryside - they are costing taxpayers thousands of pounds each year. This latest conviction shows that fly-tipping will not be tolerated and we will continue to work with our partners to bring those who commits such crimes to justice.

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.

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Conviction for Flytipping

12th November 2008

A flytipper investigated by BBC's Rogue Traders' and the Kent County Council (KCC) Clean Kent Campaign, in partnership with Sevenoaks District Council, has been convicted at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court.

Samuel Henry Dighton, 37 years old from Barnfield Park Site, South Ash Road, New Ash Green, Kent pleaded guilty to flytipping on 6th November. He received a £750 fine and was ordered to pay £230 clean-up costs, £500 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Mr Dighton was caught following investigations involving KCC's Clean Kent enforcement team and BBC's Rogue Traders programme.

The case against Samuel Dighton was constructed following several reported incidents of flytipping in Hartley Bottom Road, New Ash Green, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Amongst the items dumped, which included tree cuttings, household and commercial waste, were details of Mr Dighton's business ventures, Hollingbourne Nurseries and Woodside Nurseries.

Rogue Traders instigated a 'sting' operation against Mr Dighton in May 2007, to detect his illegal activities. Posing a BBC researcher as a householder, Mr Dighton was paid £180 to take away various household items and assorted rubbish. This refuse was previously marked with "Smart Water" - a DNA based product that would enable the waste to be identified.

By the use of tracking devices, the waste was located to a flytip in Hartley Bottom Road on the same day and video and forensic evidence was secured at the scene. Mr Dighton was subsequently positively identified as the man collecting the rubbish from the Rogue Traders footage. Following the broadcast of the programme in September 2007, a prosecution was undertaken by KCC.

Commenting on behalf of Kent County Council, Mike Austerberry, Executive Director of Environment, Highways & Waste said:
Flytipping is a damaging and illegal activity which is often linked to other serious crimes. Through the Clean Kent Campaign, local authorities will not hesitate to bring 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.

Cllr Avril Hunter, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, added:
Fly tipping is a problem that is of concern to our residents. The message is clear, flytippers should be aware that we have the ways and the means to catch you, and we will.

Recognising that fly-tipping along with litter, rubbish and abandoned vehicles are seen as key manifestations of anti-social behaviour and crime; Clean Kent set up a dedicated enforcement unit designed 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.

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Clean Kent cleans up at CIPR Awards!

6th November 2008

The Clean Kent Campaign has scooped a massive three awards at this year's CIPR PRide Awards. Attending the awards and representing the campaign, were Melanie Price, Clean Kent Coordinator, Kent County Council and Stuart Skilton, Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

The awards, organised by the Chartered Institute of PR and sponsored by Clip Ability and PR Week, were held at a prestigious ceremony in Brighton on 31st October. Overall, Clean Kent won three silvers in the following categories:
- Integrated Communications. Entry name: Local Heroes
- Community Relations. Entry name: Duty of Care
- Not-for-Profit. Entry name: Street Wise.
The projects entered were a representative sample of several high profile activities undertaken by the Clean Kent to engage with the county's residents on issues relating to protecting and preserving the county's environment.

All winning campaigns received favourable comments from the judges. Street Wise, a theatre in education project aimed at secondary school pupils; Local Heroes, an awareness drive for Kent's street cleaning teams and Duty of Care, an anti-flytipping initiative were all proclaimed to be innovative and imaginative campaigns worthy of winning three awards.

On winning, Melanie Price said:
Obviously we're delighted to have been nominated and we're overjoyed to have won! To be acknowledged by such a well-respected body as the Chartered Institute of PR for the work we've achieved is a real honour and a boost to the campaign. These awards help celebrate the hard work, commitment and creativity that all partners contribute to Clean Kent.

Melanie Price, Clean Kent Coordinator and Stuart Skilton, Kent Fire and Rescue Service accepting their silver award for Street Wise.

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Flytipper in Gravesend fined

6th November 2008

Gravesend flytipper, Dezider Elias was recently convicted of flytipping at Dartford Magistrates Court on 31st October 2008.

Pleading guilty to dumping household refuse including beds, furniture and wood at Artillery Row, Gravesend; Mr Elias of 56 Raphael Road, Gravesend received a £67 fine and was ordered to pay £15 victim surcharge plus £100 costs.

Mick Ives, Kent County Council's Clean Kent Enforcement Manager said:
We are pleased to secure convictions against flytippers, which sends out a strong message that this criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. We aim to stop illegal and anti-social acts of this nature in order to make Kent 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.

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Prolific flytipper receives custodial sentence

7th October 2008

A serial flytipper caught out by BBC's Rogue Traders' programme has received a custodial sentence at Maidstone Crown Court.

Alan Yarlett, 63 years old from Dartford, Kent pleaded guilty to the unlawful depositing of waste and two counts of illegal storage of waste. He received a six-month suspended sentence, six-month disqualification from driving and a six month curfew between the hours of 6pm and 6am at an address to be confirmed. Mr Yarlett was also ordered to pay £2,300 compensation to Dartford Borough Council.

Mr Yarlett was caught following a lengthy joint intelligence operation involving Dartford Borough Council, Kent Police and supported by Clean Kent's enforcement team. Also involved in the case was BBC's Rogue Traders production team.

Following information from the programme, enforcement officers monitored a site in Dartford believed to be used by Yarlett as an illegal waste transfer station. Control items were placed in unattended skips full of waste at the site on a regular basis including marking items with "Smart Water" - a DNA based product that would clearly show that marked waste was identical to dumped waste. As a result of marking these loads, flytips were identified at a number of sites including Rowhill Road and Yarlett was arrested and interviewed by police in North Kent.

Vivienne Pearson, the Crown Prosecution Service's Anti-Social Behaviour Specialist Lawyer for the South East, said:
The combined efforts of Kent Police and the Crown Prosecution Service have enabled this repeated flytipper to be brought to justice. Flytipping is a serious criminal offence and an example of the worst kind of anti-social behaviour.

Presiding over the case, His Honour Judge Lawson, QC stated the importance of prosecuting prolific criminals such as Mr Yarlett in order to reassure and protect law abiding members of the public.

Commenting on behalf of Clean Kent, Mick Ives, Enforcement Manager said:
I am pleased that the court has taken such a serious view of this case and sentenced Mr Yarlett accordingly. Flytipping has a negative impact on the people and environment of Kent and this conviction is a positive result which sends out a strong warning message to others committing similar crimes.

Clean Kent is working hard to put a stop to illegal and anti-social acts of this nature and together with our partners, we aim to make our county a cleaner and safer place.

Recognising that fly-tipping along with litter, rubbish and abandoned vehicles are seen as key manifestations of anti-social behaviour and crime; Clean Kent set up a dedicated enforcement unit designed 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.

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Street Wise launches in Kent schools

22nd September 2008

Clean Kent recently unveiled its new production for secondary school children: Street Wise. Street Wise is Clean Kent's latest education project and centres on the issues of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and restorative justice and led by Kent County Council and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

The project is aimed at young people aged 12-14 years old (year 8 and 9 students), the age group prior to the peak age of offending. This 'theatre in education' initiative is designed to be used as a learning support tool in context to wider social issues such as anti-social behaviour and criminal activity amongst the young, whilst linking into the Citizenship and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) elements of the National Curriculum.

The original concept for Street Wise was devised back in the autumn of 2006. Since then it has undergone a huge amount of work including focus groups, scripting sessions and partnership working, including most notably HMP Prison Service and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Melanie Price, Clean Kent Coordinator at Kent County Council is one of the driving forces behind the project. She comments:
We run many successful projects in primary schools but felt for some time that we needed to talk to students in secondary education on the issues of environmental crime.

Initially we hope that Street Wise will help young people make the connection between carrying out random acts of anti-social behaviour and how this can escalate to criminal behaviour. Equally important is the need to promote self-respect and responsibility for actions amongst young people in order to foster a positive attitude towards local communities.

Stuart Skilton, Head of Community Safety at Kent Fire and Rescue Service adds:
From the feedback that we've gathered to date the reaction to the play has been a hugely positive one, from teachers and students alike.

The play has been a work in progress thus far, and we're happy that the production we're now delivering is a robust effort that reflects the work and aims of the Clean Kent Campaign.

The project will be shown in all Kent schools with particular attention to those in areas of high crime and concerns about ASB in line with the National Intelligence Model. To date (July 2007-08), the project has achieved:
- 124 performances delivered as part of pilot production schedule
- 47 schools benefitting from performances - approximately 40% Kent schools
- 7840 pupils attended.
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Clean Kent prosecutes Sevenoaks flytipper

22nd September 2008

A conviction for fly tipping by Kent County Council's Clean Kent enforcement team has had serious consequences for the offender with a large fine and community service.

On Tuesday September 16, Adam Wright, 32, of Shirehall Road, Hawley pleaded guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates Court of flytipping in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, at the foot of the North Downs, situated at Kemsing Road, Wrotham.

Wright was caught when officers discovered correspondence relating to an address in Horsham in the three bags of household rubbish he had dumped. After making extensive enquires, officers were able to contact the company employed to dispose of the waste. They discovered Wright had been paid to dispose of the waste correctly but had chosen to flytip the rubbish instead, using the company's vehicle. Wright was immediately dismissed from the company for gross misconduct.

Flytipping is a criminal activity and offenders could face five years imprisonment or a £50,000 fine. The level of sentencing by the court reflects their recognition of the serious adverse impact flytipping has on the community and its environment.

Wright has been ordered to pay costs of £500 and was sentenced to 150 hours unpaid community work, reduced to 100 hours for an early plea.

Keith Ferrin Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste said:
This conviction should send a warning to others of the seriousness of such environmental crime. The environment of Kent is to be valued and protected.

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.

Clean Kent is working hard to reduce the incidences of flytipping across Kent. With the help of the dedicated enforcement team, Clean Kent has helped achieve a countywide reduction in the number of reported instances of flytipping by 35 per cent, one of the campaign's key targets.

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CleanupUK website launch

29th August 2008

Clean Kent welcomes the launch of CleanupUK's new website, www.litteraction.org.uk to promote clean communities.

CleanupUK is a charity founded by George Monck in 2007, and is dedicated to tackling litter by supporting new and established clean-up groups nationwide.

Working with the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), the charity and new website provides all the advice and information that a volunteer group needs to organise a clean-up. The website contains information on events and news, plus links volunteers up to their nearest group.

More information on CleanupUK can be found on their website.

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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%.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Eco-schools clean up in awards ceremony

17th March 2008

Eleven schools recently collected a Clean Kent Schools award:
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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.

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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.
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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, Environment Manager for the Environment Agency said:

We have been cracking down on illegal waste activity in Kent and have seen clear improvements. 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:
1. Always ask for a waste carrier licence number.
2. Visit Clean Kent to check the number: www.cleankent.com or call the Environment Agency on 0870 850 6506.
3. If a tradesman in not registered, don't use them.
For tradesmen:
1. If you transport waste you have not produced yourself, or builders waste, you must register as a waste carrier.
2. If you transport waste another person/company has produced, always get a description of the load and a transfer note.
3. 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Latest News

News Archive

What is Duty of Care and how does it affect me?

The law in action

Protecting the consumer

Handy hints for you

For the general public:

For tradesmen: