News

Two lorry loads of rubbish were raked up and cleared from a drainage ditch by council workmen after 'an irresponsible minority' put local residents in danger of flooding.

Shepway Council’s Handyman Team cleared the ditch in New Romney on Wednesday (16 April).

Amongst the things they found were a mattress, settee, fridge, part of a bike frame, polystyrene packaging, children’s toys, a television, wooden pallets and polythene sheeting.

A Shepway spokesman said that the clear-up was needed so that the ditches can drain properly - especially important in times of heavy rain - and to help improve the appearance of the district.

Cllr Rory Love, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said a small number of irresponsible people were spoiling the district with illegal fly-tipping.

“Our Handyman Team has spent a long time raking and clearing this ditch and there is still more to do. Most local people take great pride in the area in which they live. But there is always an irresponsible minority who spoil things and in this case, by blocking these ditches with their rubbish, are putting some New Romney residents in danger of flooding.”

The problem of rubbish in the drainage ditch, which runs by the side of the playing field in Station Road, was raised by ward councillor Carole Waters, who accompanied Cllr Love to inspect the clear-up.

“This sort behaviour shows a complete disregard for our beautiful Cinque Port town. I would urge anyone who spots illegal fly-tipping to try and get some sort of information that would give us the evidence that we need to prosecute to fly-tippers,” she said.

The council offers a collection of bulky household items. It costs £15.50 for up to two items, and £5.50 for each additional item. Fridges and freezers cost £16.50 each.

The maximum penalty for fly-tipping is £50,000.